3/10/23 MR PV

A fine first-half performance would be enough to seal all 3 points and back-to-back home League One wins.

Joey Barton made 4 first-team changes as his side looked to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 loss to Peterborough last time out. Ryan Woods, Luke McCormick, Jevani Brown and Chris Martin all came into the starting XI.

 

It would take 10 minutes for either side to really make a breakthrough in the game, but Rovers would look to put their mark on when Aaron Collins had a neat through ball played into him down the left flank but his effort was straight at Connor Ripley.

 

Collins was involved again as he picked up a loose ball, spreading it wide as he looked to find Jack Hunt travelling down the right wing. Hunt’s cross was pinpoint to find the head of Chris Martin but Ripley was equal to the effort.

 

Collins was the man running the show as in the 20th minute he lined up a free-kick, bending a shot from the left side of the 18-yard box which Ripley had to make a spectacular save to deny.

 

Rovers' constant pressure would finally pay off after some determined attacking from Chris Martin and after some intricate play, Jevani Brown managed to whip a fine ball towards McCormick who glanced his header past Ripley.

 

Things would only get better for Rovers when Jesse Debrah would be given marching orders following a 2nd yellow card after a poor challenge on McCormick.

 

A fine Rovers display only got better right at the end of the first half when Collins once again got himself into a wonderful position on the left side to play a low cross into Jack Hunt who poked home, putting the hosts two goals up before half time.

 

The second half was a much slower affair with Rovers dominating possession and neither side creating any clear opportunities in front of goal.

 

An absolute peach of a strike from Jevani Brown sealed all 3 points, as he curled a shot into the top right corner.

 

The full-time whistle went, and Rovers were triumphant again in front of another large home attendance, as Port Vale never really looked to cause any trouble. 

 

Rovers now look ahead to Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.




Bristol Rovers: Matthew Cox (G/K), Jack Hunt (Lewis Gordon 90’), Joshua Grant © (Luca Hoole 86’), Connor Taylor, Harvey Vale, Ryan Woods, Lamare Bogarde, Luke McCormick (Antony Evans 62’), Jevani Brown (James Gibbons 86’), Aaron Collins, Chris Martin (Scott Sinclair 86’).



Port Vale: Connor Ripley (G/K), Lewis Cass (Kofi Balmer 45’), Tom Sang, Nathan Smith ©, Ben Garrity, Alfie Devine (Connor Grant 45’), Funso Ojo, Oliver Arblaster (Josh Thomas 45’), Gavin Massey, James Plant (Jason Lowe 45’), Jesse Debrah.

 

Referee- Benjamin Speedie

 

Assistants: Steven Plane & Kevin Morris 

 

Fourth Official- Richie Watkins

 

Attendance- 7364 (378)

Read Time: 3 mins