Bristol Rovers have played in few more eventful games this season than the Easter Monday triumph at Port Vale, and there were plenty of moments you may have missed while engrossed by the action at Vale Park.
After falling behind to an early Jamie Proctor goal, Joey Barton's Gas produced a stunning response to win 3-1 against one of their rivals for promotion from League Two. Elliot Anderson, James Connolly and Ryan Loft scored the goals as Gasheads enjoyed one of the best away days in recent memory.
The momentum behind Rovers is immense, with the post-match celebrations demonstrating the belief that is flowing from the players on the pitch and the fans in the stands. Here are some of the moments you may have missed...
Finley leads the celebrations
Sam Finley is never shy in showing his emotions on the pitch and the midfielder was at the forefront of Rovers' celebrations at full time. After a tireless shift in midfield, which was capped by the assist for Ryan Loft's late clincher, the 29-year-old had every reason to show his delight.
First, he hitched a piggyback from Alfie Kilgour before gesturing with delight towards the 2,222 travelling Gasheads in attendance.
Shirtless, he then joined Barton for the boss' post-win ritual. Rovers' remarkable run has borne a new tradition, with the manager resembling Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp by pumping his fist towards the faithful at full time. The pair walked side by side towards the away end, with the manager eager for his midfield maestro to join in, thumping their fists into the air in unison with those on the other side of the advertising hoardings and realising huge roars.
The scenes were evidence of the growing bond between the players, staff and supporters as the Pirates ride the crest of a wave.
Joining in the fun
As alluded to above, Alfie Kilgour was back among the group on Easter Monday. The defender has endured an injury-hit season, making just 11 league appearances. He underwent minor knee surgery in the autumn and returned for just one game in January before heading back to the sidelines.
Kilgour will not play again for the Gas this term, but it was hugely encouraging to see him be part of the group that travelled to Vale Park. He was moving freely as he inspected the pitch before the game and joined the celebrations at full time. As a boyhood Gashead and a product of the academy, he must be enjoying Rovers' remarkable run even though he has been prevented from playing his part.
His presence in Burslem was a hint that a return to fitness is not far away. The remaining three games and any possible play-off fixtures will come too soon, but hopefully he will be ready to hit the ground running in pre-season.
Kilgour's attendance also demonstrates the togetherness of this squad. Barton, clearly, has all his players – fit, on the fringes or injured – bought in and fully engaged on the goal of promotion.
Former protégé pays a visit
Rovers are having great success with one defender from the Potteries this season, with Stoke City loanee Connor Taylor enjoying the return to his homeland, and there was another defender on Stoke's books in attendance on Monday.
Barton revealed after the game his former loan signing at Fleetwood Town Harry Souttar was sat beside Rovers' bench for the game.
The 23-year-old was a revelation for the Cod Army under Barton in 2019/20, with the giant defender forcing his way into Stoke's first team and the Australian national team as a result. The centre-back had been linked with Premier League clubs last summer but a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament has sidelined him since November.
But with the Gas in town, the protégé took the chance to visit his former manager. Barton does seem to form closer bonds with players than some other managers might and clearly, they don't forget that.
Loft got booked
Limbs were flailing in all directions as Loft scored his maiden Gas goal in stoppage time to crown a memorable afternoon for those of a blue and white persuasion. Loft enjoyed it, too, as he was mobbed by jubilant Gasheads hanging over the edge of the advertising hoardings.
Lost in the chaos, to all those in the press box in the opposite corner of the ground at least, was Loft received a yellow card. It only became clear to the journos and statisticians in footage published hours later.
Rules are rules, going into the crowd is a yellow-card offence, but it feels a punitive punishment for sharing in the joy with match-going fans.
Prized possessions
It has been noticeable at the Mem in recent months that more families and children are attending games, and the pictures of the away end on Monday showed plenty of young Gasheads are enjoying Rovers' remarkable run.
We're not encouraging this, but some boys and girls did try their luck by hopping onto the pitch at full time. Several players gave up their shirts, with a girl delighted to receive Luca Hoole's match-worn jersey. Finley and Antony Evans were among the others to give up their tops. Barton lobbed his jacket to a young fan as well.
No doubt those bits of memorabilia will be cherished for years to come.
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