What a week can do for you. Seven days ago, after four straight losses and few indications of recovery, the atmosphere at Bristol Rovers had fallen into an abyss of hopelessness. Matt Taylor felt like he might not have finished the week as Rovers manager, with the amount of pressure he was under. That seems like a long time ago now.
Supporters’ optimism and confidence have been somewhat revived by back-to-back wins over Burton Abion and Charlton Athletic, but more time and successful outcomes will be needed before it fully returns.
As the first half at Burton proved, there is still so much work to be done with this set of players who were passive and stodgy for the opening 45 minutes at the Pirelli Stadium. With the Gas trailing 1-0, memories of their impressive performance against Charlton four days earlier were beginning to return. Still, the turnaround was admirable.
There was a general sense that a strong start would shake the confidence of the hosts’ group of largely inexperienced players, even though things looked pretty bleak at the half. It was the first time Rovers had come from behind to secure a result, let alone a win, since a 2-1 home victory over Carlisle United in February.
They were amazing as stand-ins. Shaq Forde, who went unmarked when he unleashed a clinical first-time strike, and Grant Ward combined for an equaliser. They took the lead seven minutes later when Ward, once more acting as the architect, found Clinton Mola at the back post for a ferocious volley.
In a match that Taylor referred to as a “Jekyll and Hyde” type of contest, Burton still had chances to draw the score. Rovers were fortunate to have Josh Griffiths save the day, if not for his many excellent save, then at least for his increased poise.
Securing his title of ‘impact sub’ with a goal, Ward secured the victory late on as the Gas once again looked menacing on the counter-attack, albeit against 10 men with Terence Vancooten sent off for a last-man challenge on Gatlin O’Donkor.
Football is a bizarre sport at the best of times and this week certainly feels as though it will be reflected on as one of the stand-out seven-day periods of the season come May when it has come to its conclusion.
Focusing on the present for now though, here are some of the major talking points on the back of Rovers’ 3-1 win at Burton…
