Clarke-Harris and Loft reunions, returning to the road, and young Irons: Bristol Rovers’ next five games
Bristol Rovers are without a game this weekend due to international call-ups, but they will have a busy calendar when they return.
Although an international break does not apply to League One clubs, with only two scheduled fixtures slated to take place this weekend and most matches in the third tier postponed due to international call ups, it may as well.
Bristol Rovers were scheduled to play Reading in one of their shortest travels of the season this weekend. The game was called off due to multiple call-ups in the Royals’ team.
However, after a busy summer that included 12 new signings, a club takeover, the start of the season, and missing out on a club-record deal for Jonson Clarke-Harris by seconds, a break is certainly in order.
Joey Barton’s men have taken six points from their first six league matches, scoring six goals. Given the caliber of some of their opponents thus far, it’s a decent start, but the widespread feeling is that some of the performances merited a higher point return.
It wasn’t a spectacular performance, but Rovers’ 1-1 draw with Lincoln City last Saturday was a step in the right direction. It was the third consecutive game in which the Gas commanded possession with at least 60% of the ball while facing compact, tenacious opponents.
Again, Rovers struggled to create chances against such a club, but they appeared to be the more likely of the two teams to produce a quality moment. Furthermore, they had previously lost to Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United.
Three days later and the Gas saved their best display of the season so far for their EFL Trophy match against Cheltenham Town, winning 4-1.
Waiting 10 days for the next game after such a performance is frustrating, but it should be utilized as an opportunity to think and heal while also working on playing in a different system.
When Barton’s team returns to action, they will have another rigorous schedule of five games in 17 days, but it should provide an opportunity to start picking up more points as they attempt to climb the table. But what about their next round of games?
Shrewsbury Town (A) – Saturday, September 16
Rovers’ final away game of the season, a 2-1 defeat at Shrewsbury, seems like it was only yesterday.
The encounter will be remembered for the ‘disrespectful’ celebrations of ex-Gas player Luke Leahy, which Barton called out. This time, however, Shrewsbury will be without Leahy, who faced the Gas for new club Wycombe two weeks ago, as well as former Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill.
With ex-Walsall manager and Barton’s former Burnley teammate Matt Taylor now in charge at the New Meadow, the Shropshire club has had a mixed start to the season.
Shrewsbury Town are 14th in the table after three victories and three defeats, despite having a more favorable fixture calendar to begin the season.
Their three victories have all come by a single goal against League One’s current bottom three, Cheltenham Town, Burton Albion, and Fleetwood Town.
Taylor’s men also gave newly promoted Carlisle United their first victory in the third tier last weekend, with their other defeats coming at the hands of high-flying Stevenage and Lincoln.
It will be a difficult trip, but it is one that should be targeted as an opportunity to secure a second league win if the Gas are serious about climbing the table.
