After two defeats in quick succession and a sense of capitulation about both of them, Bristol Rovers needed a response on New Year's Day and Joey Barton – just about – got the win he needed.
In his own words, the Gas should have been on course for another dismantling of Cheltenham Town once they took a two-goal lead into the break, spearheaded by the sensational Aaron Collins and the ever-impressive Josh Coburn. Despite the conditions – a deluge that seemingly lasted the whole of December has left the Mem pitch worse for wear – Rovers moved the ball relatively well, scored two excellent goals against a miserly defence and the perfect start to 2023 was in progress.
But much like the losses to Wycombe Wanderers and Exeter City in the past week, when Rovers let winning positions slip from their grasp, there was a sudden change in momentum when it seemed the Gas were in the ascendancy. The catalyst this time was a perplexing and uncharacteristic mistake from James Connolly.
