Relief and ecstasy followed the final whistles last week as Bristol Rovers’ upturn in form continued. The Gas cranked things up a notch as two wins from two saw belief grow in BS7.
If last week was all about cementing our form, then this week was all about pushing on. It was a real statement of intent to come through the week with two wins from two and overcome spells of adversity in doing so. Yes, both victories came against lower-ranked teams, but as Joey Barton says, those games you’re expected to win are often the hardest. Rovers did just that twice inside 7 days.
Scunthorpe on a cold Tuesday night was hardly the most glamorous tie in the fixture list, but it represented a real opportunity for us. As a team in poor form and an even worse league position, Rovers were expected to beat them and beat them well. That’s easier said than done though and I was still nervous ahead of the game. After all, we’d made a foundation and then failed to build on it countless times this season.
What a cracking atmosphere that game was too. The mood within our fanbase was fantastic on the night, with hundreds of Gasheads taking Wael Al-Qadi up on his kind offer of free travel for the game and making a right racket from start to finish.
Although quiet during the game, the small Scunthorpe contingent were a friendly bunch and that made for an even more pleasant away day… in stark contrast to the previous Saturday it must be said!
It was brilliant to see so many club employees make the trip too. With Tom Gorringe, Pete Weymouth, David Bright and others slotting into the seating alongside fellow Gasheads, the away end felt united and that for me epitomised the togetherness around the club at the moment.
We came away from that game knowing the scoreline should have been more like a cricket score, but in classic Rovers fashion, we gave ourselves a right scare at the death. We played Scunthorpe off the park for large spells and had Aaron Collins brought his shooting boots, the Gas would have had seven or eight.
Thank god for Leon Clarke. The second he latched on to that pass from Thomas, I knew he would score and I almost started celebrating early. Running across the line to stay onside before rounding the keeper was a finish that highlighted his breadth of experience. If the finish showed his quality, then the celebration showed his character as he fended off teammates to embrace those that helped his recovery.
For him to come through such adversity when many would have thrown in the towel is a mark of his desire and passion for the game. If he didn’t score again all season that wouldn’t matter to Rovers – he’s already paid off anything he owes with what turned out to be the winner in North Lincolnshire.
That made it four unbeaten and made for a pleasant trip back down south for Gasheads. Next on the agenda was another struggling side in Walsall and nothing short of three points would be acceptable.
If the Scunthorpe atmosphere was positive and good-natured, then the climax of the Walsall atmosphere was emphatic. It was the first time in years over 8,000 fans had packed into The Mem and they had to ride waves of nerves at times after Luca Hoole needlessly picked up a second yellow. But that was all forgotten late in the day as Aaron Collins did Aaron Collins things, stealing a winner right at the death.
It was deserved too. You wouldn’t have noticed we had 10 men for much of the game and that to me shows renewed confidence and belief. We stuck to our game plan in difficult conditions, grafted hard and were still much the better team. It may ironically be true that our discipline problems helped us on the day, having already played with 10 or less too many times for Barton’s liking this season.
A word on Harvey Saunders, too. What a character this guy is. He leaves nothing to be desired with his work rate and his passion that is plain for all to see. He’s a vital cog in this team and his willingness to sacrifice everything for his team is a real asset to his game. There’s nobody else in this team like him and he provides that different edge to stretch teams when they’re difficult to break down.
Luke Thomas had perhaps his best week in a Rovers shirt and has really kicked on in the New Year. Since his recent social media post, captioned “Head down and proving people wrong,” he has done exactly that and is now showing his real ability on the pitch.
He is more aggressive on the ball, running directly at defenders and getting into good positions in the box. You sense there is much more to come from him too and the goals can’t be far away.
Thirteen points from a possible 15 is the run we needed. This team was always capable of that and it may have arrived several months later than anticipated. But make no mistake, the momentum we have built since the turn of the year has translated into real optimism around the club and isn’t it incredible to feel that in the air once more? Going into games and really believing we can win is a feeling we haven’t had in quite some time.
Barton will be hoping to give us an even greater chance of success by making an addition or two in the final days of the window. By the time this column hits the press, just hours will remain and I’ll be excitedly glued to my phone to find out who, if anyone, we can bring in.
An experienced centre back is a priority for me and one that can really help us kick on. Whilst it’d be harsh on James Connolly given his early promise, the experience Barton’s targets presumably possess will be invaluable in the run-in. Someone who’s been around promotion-chasing sides before and knows what to expect in these situations could be the missing cog in the wheel.
Rumours that a striker was still on our wishlist were confusing too until the manager revealed Pitman has been allowed to pursue a move away from the club. Affectionately known as the “Pork Pie Pele” amongst sections of the fanbase, Pitman will leave with everyone’s best wishes.
He might not have fit into our playing style as it was planned, but vital goals on the road have seen him play his part this season. It could have been more too had it not been for infuriating refereeing decisions away at Colchester and Salford.
If we don’t sign a forward, I’d be happy with the options at our disposal. Ryan Loft will surely come good soon, Clarke’s experience will contribute more goals and Saunders will run his socks off for the team. If we need another option outside of that trio, you don’t need me to remind you that we scored buckets of goals with Antony Evans, Sam Nicholson and Collins deputising up top.
So there we have it. Rovers have finally given themselves the start they needed to kick on. The mood at the club is fantastic and the players are playing as well as they ever have.
These next few games represent the chance to change our league standing from hopefuls to contenders. Whether we can do that or not, time will only tell. But beat Sutton United on Saturday and we’ll be one small step closer towards our goal.
SIGN UP: For our newsletter to receive more exclusive Bristol Rovers content
