Bristol Rovers v Northampton Town
Sky Bet League One, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 10 August 2024, 5:30pm KO
Bristol Rovers' first League One match of the 2024/25 season sees the Gas host Northampton Town.
Rovers come into Saturday's campaign opener after a successful pre-season, winning five of their seven outings with fans in attendance. It will also be the Gas' third successive match at The Memorial Stadium after back-to-back friendlies against Championship opposition, beating Plymouth Argyle 2-1 before a 2-0 loss to Cardiff City.
As for Northampton, the visitors ended their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 away defeat to Cheltenham Town, with Ryan Bowman netting a first-half brace for the Robins.
Read on for all you need to know about Saturday's fixture…
Tickets…
Tickets are still available for Saturday's season opener and can be purchased here!
Opposition…
Northampton Town have bounced between League One and League Two in recent seasons and were promoted back to the third tier in the 2022/23 campaign after finishing third. The Cobblers had a good season and remained away from the relegation zone, with Sam Hoskins continuing his impressive form going into the league above to score 15 goals.
Jon Brady's side ended the season in 14th position, their best in League One since 2007/08, and will be attempting to get off to a winning start.
Like Rovers, the visitors have been busy in the transfer market. Northampton have bolstered their attack with the additions of Tom Eaves, James Wilson and Callum Morton.
There will also be a familiar face to Rovers fans, with former defender Jack Baldwin signing for Northampton from Ross County. Other notable additions include attacking midfielder Cameron McGeehan from Colchester United, left-back Liam McCarron from Stoke City and Matt Dibley-Dias on loan from Fulham.
Previous Meetings…
The Pirates have an impressive record against Northampton and have only lost one of their previous 12 meetings in all competitions (winning eight and drawing three).
However, the one defeat in that run did come in the last match between the two sides, with the Cobblers coming away with a 3-1 victory at Sixfields Stadium.
Despite the defeat on the road, Rovers beat their upcoming opponents in the reverse fixture at The Memorial Stadium last season, with Chris Martin and Antony Evans scoring in a 2-1 triumph.
Allocated seating…
Seated tickets come with an allocated seat and row number, and supporters are kindly reminded to sit only in the seat that comes with the ticket.
Persistent standing…
Furthermore, Bristol Rovers FC must ensure we operate in full accordance with national rules and regulations. A particular issue that has been fed back by some fans is persistent standing which will impact the Club's ability to achieve 100 per cent occupancy, should standing continue.
Supporters wishing to stand for matches are kindly advised to locate themselves in one of the available terraces.
Match Officials...
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
Assistant Referees: Alan Cresswell & Kevin Morris
Fourth Official: Oliver Mackey
