"When he scores a goal, oh it's beautiful, magical," goes the chant that was sung time and again at Celtic Park when Scott Sinclair was shining in a trophy-ladened stint in Glasgow. That song got an airing at the Mem on Saturday, and boy was it apt.
Not only did Sinclair finish off a beautiful team goal from Bristol Rovers to claim a 1-0 win over Peterborough United, with Aaron Collins and the outstanding Sam Finley playing their part in the move, but the ensuing scenes were pretty magical.
His first Rovers goal was well scripted, winning the game in front of the Thatchers Terrace, but the celebrations that followed his second in the blue and white quarters were even more memorable. For a player who has achieved so much, and amassed so many medals, at 33 years old he still has that love for the game.
A top-level player dipping into the third tier for the first time in more than a decade may hold back a bit in moments like this, but the pure euphoria for Sinclair was clear to see. The terraces indulged in that moment, which defined an impressive win that reaffirms the notion that the Gas are capable of doing something in League One this season.
Quite what that "something" is remains to be seen, but with days like this to enjoy it promises to be a helluva journey for Joey Barton, his players and supporters alike. Rovers are up to 15th and have moved 10 points clear of a relegation zone that they sat in just six weeks ago, and although the scoreline suggest a tight game, they were better than fourth-placed Posh in every department on Saturday.
Super Scott
Sinclair's winning goal against Rochdale prompted a cool, almost nonchalant reaction from the winger, but this one was entirely different. After finishing off a brilliant move, he wheeled away behind the goal in front of the Thatchers Terrace, knee sliding in front of the perfectly placed JMP photographer Rob Noyes, who captured a memorable moment perfectly.
There can be no doubt about it, Sinclair is loving his Rovers second coming just as much as Gasheads are, with a new addition to the songbook that will surely take hold in the terraces in the weeks and months to come if Sinclair stays beyond the end of this short-term contract, which expires in January.
It was a high-quality finish that capped another performance brimming with class. Despite playing as a wing-back, Sinclair was hugely influential throughout the contest. He always offered Rovers an outlet, he repeatedly threatened the Peterborough defence before eventually breaking through in the 53rd minute.
After the game, Barton was quick to emphasise the wide-ranging impact he is having in BS7. The manager said: "He’s a real privilege to coach. He just turns up with a big smile on his face, great teammate, even when he’s not in the team. In the early part, he’s encouraging the people around him, coaching Bobby Thomas and the younger players into position.
"For me as a coach, we’ve been lucky with Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan, but to add another player who has got an incredible career, who’s been an incredible professional who has scored a play-off final hat-trick. That’s worth £100million.
"He’s just got that composure and that has radiated out into the people who are close to him in the game. I thought Bobby Thomas in the second half today was exceptional and it’s no coincidence with Scott’s calmness."
Barton is hopeful that Sinclair will stay with his boyhood club for the long term, but regardless of what happens in January, be happy that this is happening at all.
Captain fantastic
Sinclair scooped the sponsor's man of the match prize, but he was not the only outstanding player for Rovers on Saturday. Performances across the pitch were impressive, but Sam Finley stood out above the rest.
The stand-in captain notched a crucial assist for the second week in succession, with an inch-perfect through ball in a crowded penalty area finding Sinclair's stride perfectly for him to take the chance first time.
The shift to a back three has given Finley more scope to attack. He is a true all-rounder as a midfielder, but he is at his best when he is in and around the final third because he has rare vision for a player at this level.
But Finley loves the ugly side of the game, too, and he pressed brilliantly all afternoon to keep Rovers on the front foot. The terraces roared with satisfaction on several occasions as he crunched into trademark tackles.
Paul Coutts is a big miss for the Gas as he recovers from an ankle injury, but Finley has shown there is more than one fantastic leader in this squad.
Start as you mean to go on
First-half performances at the Mem have not been good enough for Rovers this season, setting the wrong tone and leaving themselves working from behind too often.
On Saturday, they delivered a much better start. Against Fleetwood in particular, they were loose and presented them with chances, but against the Posh they were able to exert much more control on proceedings.
It was still not perfect and Rovers could have made much more of their possession in the first period, but it must have been a welcome feeling for Barton going into the dressing room at half time with his team level on the scoreline and on top in the balance of the play, particularly with his team's recent form in second halves in mind.
The manager often hails the fitness standards in his squad that are implemented by his coaching and medical teams. Not only does he believe that Rovers have the quality to compete in League One, but he is certain they have a fitness advantage over many of their rivals, so it must have been galling to give opponents a helping hand in recent weeks.
With endurance on their side, it is imperative Rovers start in the right manner so they can maximise their strengths later in games. On Saturday, they did exactly that with a first half that was solid if not spectacular. The more often Rovers do that, the more games they will win.
Peterborough blunted
This Peterborough side is renowned for its attacking prowess. For years now, they have been a production line for attacking players heading to the Premier League, with Ivan Toney and Dwight Gayle among the graduates.
The Gas must've been happy to see Jonson Clarke-Harris – League One's top scorer – was only fit enough to make the bench, but there was still quality in Peterborough's attack with Jack Marriott and Ephron Mason-Clarke among those in the lineup.
But they were almost completely blunted by a Rovers defence that could become the starting setup moving forward. The back three of Bobby Thomas, James Connolly and Lewis Gibson were organised, catching Posh offside four times in the first half alone.
This was perhaps the best defensive performance of the season from Rovers, not because they were fighting for their lives at the back, but because they had command of proceedings, they were aggressive and they were difficult to break down.
The result was just one shot on target for Posh and a dominant performance from the Gas on the stats sheet, with 62 per cent of possession against a team that has only recently dropped out of the Championship and is fourth in League One.
A leaky defence that has lacked continuity due to injuries had held Rovers back this season, conceding 33 goals in 18 matches before Saturday. With the immense firepower at the other end of the pitch, if the Gas can build on this encouraging defensive display then they are going to be a tough match for anyone in the third tier.
The road to Wembley
Few Gasheads will be tempted by a midweek trip to Colchester in the Papa John's Trophy amid a cost of living crisis with World Cup games to watch at home, but it is the next stop on the road to Wembley for the Gas.
Of course, the EFL Trophy is the least important of all the competitions, but having navigated through the inconveniences of the group stage, they are just four wins from a Wembley final and that is an opportunity to be taken seriously.
There will be changes to the team, but Barton will still field a strong side at the Colchester Community Stadium. Luke McCormick and John Marquis will certainly feature, with Ryan Loft also possibly making his return from injury.
Colchester are hovering precariously above the League Two relegation zone and the Gas will be aware from last season that these opponents can be awkward, but the Gas should be too strong on Wednesday – with fringe players determined to impress – and it is a great chance for Barton's side to edge closer to a trip to the national stadium.
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