Bristol Rovers’ season has taken a worrying turn after a bright start that suggested the Gas could challenge for a play-off spot in League Two. Following their 2‑1 victory over Salford City in late September, Darrell Clarke’s side had extended an unbeaten run across all competitions to eight games and sat seventh in the table, just inside the play-off positions.
00:00Bristol Rovers' season has taken a worrying turn after a bright start that suggested the Gaffs could challenge for a play-off spot in League Two.
00:10Following their 2-1 victory over Salford City in late September, Darrell Clark's side had extended an unbeaten run across all competitions to eight games and sat seventh in the table just inside the play-off positions.
00:24Confidence was high and Rovers looked capable of pushing up the league.
00:27Since then, however, the campaign has descended into a struggle with six consecutive league defeats culminating in Saturday's 3-1 loss.
00:35The captain of Trinton Stanley leaving Rovers precariously just three points above the drop zone.
00:41The defeat at the Wham Stadium was a painful reminder of Rovers' away day struggles.
00:46Isaac Heath gave the host an early lead and despite Kame Conte's second-half equaliser,
00:51goals from Farron Rawson and Isaac Sinclair in the closing quarter sealed a deserved victory.
00:57But John Doolan's side, who leapfrogged the Gaffs in the table on goal difference.
01:02The loss extended Gaffs' winless streak at Akrington to nine games, a record only revelled by few EFL teams.
01:10Clark was candid after the game, highlighting the soft goals that have plagued his side and described the team as having a soft underbelly at the minute.
01:17With mistakes in boxes, both proving costly.
01:22There were, however, small positives as Harrison returned to the starting line-up for the first time since mid-October,
01:29providing physicality and versatility in attack.
01:32His movement as a hold-up play added a much-needed outlet, particularly as he linked well with Shaq Ford.
01:38Harrison's presence will be crucial as Rovers prepare for a pivotal clash against relegation-threatened Cheltenham Town
01:45at the evening Charger Point Stadium next Saturday.
01:48Rovers will now face a critical period in their season.
01:51Only three points separate them from the drop zone.
01:54And with confidence low, every result will carry significant weight.
01:58A victory against Cheltenham could halt the slide and ease relegation fears.
02:01But another defeat could see pressure mount heavily on Clark and his squad.
02:07The gas must learn to rebuild steadily if they are regaining stability and climb away from the danger.
Be the first to comment