A Tale Of Two Strikers?

It could be a tale of a former striker coming back to impose misery when Leyton Orient face off with Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, a trip to Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park the prize for the victors.

The home side will have ex-Rovers forward Jamie Cureton as the experienced spearhead of their attack while Scott McGleish, a man who represented the O's in four different spells, is likely to line up against the club he left in June.

If you had to pick one of the two to come out on top you would find good odds on McGleish and his Rovers team mates picking up the win despite being a division lower than their hosts. Orient currently lie bottom of League 1 after a tumultuous start to the season, yet to pick up a point and with the worst goal difference, -10, in the whole of the Football League. Russell Slade's boys slipped up at home against Carlisle on Saturday despite having taken a 53rd minute lead through Jimmy Smith, only to see the Cumbrians level soon after and hit the winner with three minutes left on the clock.

Six goals have been conceded at home so far, an average of two a game, and you have to go back to April for the last time the O's won at Brisbane Road. The only game Orient have 'won' this season was away to Southend in the first round of the Carling Cup, and even then they required penalties to see off the fourth tier Shrimpers.

Rovers, too, took their first stage opposition to spot kicks after holding Watford, two divisions their senior, to a 1-1 draw at the Memorial Stadium. The 37 year old McGleish, played predominantly on the wing in recent games, may have to change his boots soon, having failed to score since the opening day of the season, Rovers drawing a blank on their last two Saturday's. The aforementioned Cureton, however, is yet to have his name on the scoresheet this term, his team scoring just three goals in their six games thus far.

During a four year stint at Rovers Cureton bagged 79 goals in all competitions before moving onto Reading. In his first season with the Second Division Royals he managed a further 27 league goals yet failed to win promotion, having to wait a further year for his shot at the First Division. A short stint in South Korea with Busan I'cons was followed by a link up with QPR, little succes coming the way of the Bristolian.

After another unsuccessful spell, this time with Swindon, Cureton signed for Championship Colchester where he hit a further 24 goals. After three years at Norwich, during which time he was loaned out to several clubs, the striker teamed up with Paul Tisdale at Exeter, helping the club to challenge for the League 1 play-offs. There was interest from Rovers in pre-season but the 36 year old decided against dropping down a level, signing instead for Orient in June.

McGleish currently stands with a total of 203 career league goals and is in his 17th consecutive season as a professional footballer. Signing for Charlton from the non-leagues McGleish joined Orient for the first time in March 1995 where he scored his first senior goal. Next came a transfer to Peterborough where he was once again loaned out before linking up with Orient again for a £50,000 fee.

The striker didn't last a year with the O's before being sold to Barnet, scoring 42 times in four years prior to signing deals with Colchester, Northampton and Wycombe, getting his third shot at Orient from the latter team, again on loan before going to sign permanently after being released in 2009, spending two more years at Brisbane Road before joining the Gas, opening his account on his debut against Wimbledon on the opening day.

In their last two games away at Leyton Orient Rovers have shipped nine goals, losing their last four games at any venue. They do, however, have the better record between the two sides, winning 43 of the 108 times they have met, it is the O's, though, who have progressed through the only League Cup tie, back in 1998 when the competition was still a two-legged affair, winning 2-1 after extra time and 3-2 on aggregate.

The referee on Tuesday will be Northamptonshire's Andy Woolmer. The last time Woolmer took charge of a Rovers game was away to MK Dons in January, a 2-0 defeat for the Gas that saw four of their team go into the book. Little under two months before that the official stepped onto the turf at the Memorial Stadium when Rovers played Orient, sending off home full back Carl Regan for a dreadful, shin-high challenge on Stephen Dawson. Twelve yellow cards have been flashed in the five games Woolmer has taken charge of this season, though no reds have been drawn from his top pocket.

Goalkeeper Jamie Jones (shoulder) is definitely out, meaning either David Button or Lee Butcher may up take the place between the sticks. Michael Richardson, on loan from Newcastle, has been given permission to play by his parent club.

The visitors will be without Cian Bolger who strained his ankle ligaments when playing against Watford, and Charlie Clough who has been out since pre-season. Joe Anyinsah (hamstring) has not been in training and is unlikely to start while Michael Smith and top scorer Matt Harrold have niggling injuries. Manager Paul Buckle admitted on Monday morning that striker Jo Kuffour may leave the club before the transfer window closes and may not be risked against the O's.

Danny Woodards is line to take a place in the squad, possibly making his debut if he were to get onto the pitch. Youth team players Darren Jefferies and Shaquille Hunter have also been drafted into the 18-man squad, the latter only turning 16 at the start of the week.

Buckle, appointed as Rovers boss in the close season, noted the threat that McGleish will pose to his former club come 7:45 Tuesday night.

"We will show Orient a lot of respect. Russell Slade is an experienced manager and his side will be viewing this match as a way of getting back on track, so we must make sure that we go there and be solid to start with.

"They have some great players and were a strong side in League One last year, and did well in the FA Cup. However I think Scott is due a goal; it's likely we will play on the counter attack tomorrow and Scott will play a big role for us."

Arsenal Woes As Nasri Glows

When Samir Nasri put pen to paper on his four year deal at Manchester City he declared that he had signed for 'the club of the future' and on the evidence of Sunday's Premier League games there can be no argument with such a bold statement.

Hours after Nasri's Manchester City displayed yet another statement of intent, rattling five goals past a beleaguered Tottenham the club he left were felled by City's biggest rivals, the end result not the shock, but the 8-2 scoreline emphatic in it's definition of a hapless Arsenal. The rise of Manchester City from Premier League also-rans to Champions League contenders running antiparallel to the fall of Arsenal.

Following a run of eight top two finishes six seasons ago Arsenal have become stagnant, the fans frustrated, a description of the mood around the Emirates Nasri himself claimed as one of the factors surrounding his departure from North London. That frustration, however, doesn't seem to extend to manager Arsene Wenger, painfully resolute in his frugal stance, until, that was, the below par start to the season, alongside the loss of two of the clubs most influential playmakers, forced the Frenchman's hand into parting with cash.

South Korean international Park Chu-Young is the target of Wenger's admiration, rumoured to have been purchased for a fee of £3-5Million, his record of 25 goals in 91 appearances for Monaco not especially resounding. Wenger is still in the market for at least two more players, a centre back and a central midfielder labelled as prime targets in order to push back up the table.

The central defender identified by the Arsenal boss was Gary Cahill and yet even in his attempt to purchase a player, so impressive in his fledgling career that many have labelled him the future of England's defence, Wenger has been the subject of ridicule. The reported bid of £7Million lodged with Bolton for Cahill's services scoffed at as worse than derisory by Trotters manager Owen Coyle, fans across the country chuckling into their newspapers all the while.

Alan Hansen once proclaimed that 'you can't win anything with kids', that quote was in reference to Manchester United's youthful squad and was proven wrong once Sir Alex Ferguson's boys won the title that season. If he were to make such an insinuation against Arsenal then there could be no argument, a defence lacking in any experience and a whole lot of quality going down 8-2 to Manchester United.

Emmanuel Frimpong and Carl Jenkinson, two of the younger players who have started for the Gunners this season, have both been sent off, as has Gervinho. Thomas Vermaelen is out injured again, Jack Wilshere has joined him on the treatment table while Bacary Sagna missed out through illness. The loss of Nasri coupled with the money spinning sale of Cesc Fabregas left Arsenal having to field reserve team player Francis Coquelin at the heart of the midfield. The players on the bench could amount just 61 league appearances between them, 57 of those coming from two of the seven. With just three days to go until the door to the transfer market slams shut Wenger has work to do, and fast.

And what of the ship-jumping Nasri?

On the same day he was to make his debut in Man City's title chasing side. Joining up with a squad brim full of attacking talent the like of David Silva and Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure, there was enough reason to believe that Nasri would have to earn his stripes before breaking into Roberto Mancini's starting eleven. Neither he or his manager were having any of it.

The former Marseille winger set up two goals for Edin Dzeko and assisted one for Sergio Aguero for good measure, putting in the hard yards and playing a heavy part in a dominant team performance against a competent Tottenham side, all that despite only meeting up with his new team mates on Thursday.

It may be a case of confidence-breeds-confidence for Nasri. If it weren't for the freak result at Old Trafford City would currently be sat atop the Premier League, netting twelve goals and conceding just three in divisional action, and the squad that will be surrounding Nasri contain a selection of players who know what it is like to win. Having seemingly forgotten how to claim victory with Arsenal at the tail end of last season, the 24 year old looks as though he will slot straight into Mancini's philosophy and ethic. Winning is a habit, City appear hooked already.

After spending three seasons at an Arsenal side that threatened so much but failed to deliver it looks as though Nasri has found a club to match his ambitions. If Sunday's game is anything to go by the flashes of talent shown in the first half last of season may come to fruition in a team that, on current evidence, looks set to challenge the dominance of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. History really could be in the making.

Rovers Halted By Rear Guard Bulls

Hereford boss Jamie Pitman claimed he was 'very pleased with the point' that his side claimed away at Bristol Rovers after a 0-0 draw in the West Country, saying 'it's something to build on'. The bricklaying must start soon for the workmanlike Bulls, though, as they are still to win a league game this season.

"Now we need to show a bit of belief that we can go on and win a game." Continued the Bulls chief, "We've defended very well today and ground out a very good point at what is a very difficult place to come.

"Paul Buckle has got a great record at this level and knows how to organise his teams well. We've come under a bit of pressure but also, on the other hand, we have had our moments as well."

Facing one of the stronger squads in League 2 Hereford, languishing one place off the foot of the basement division, were forced to work hard in defence, successfully denying the home side any clear cut chances.

Rovers spurned numerous opportunities, Matt Harrold having two headed chances either side of the half time whistle saved, the first being tipped onto an upright.

Hereford only hit the target twice throughout the ninety minutes but came closest when Harry Pell's swerving cross looped over Scott Bevan's head, clattering off the inside of the post and away. The former Pirates midfielder also saw a penalty appeal turned down after falling meekly in the area.

There was one last chance for the hosts but Lee Brown was unable to connect sweetly with his injury time diving header.

Rovers gaffer Buckle chose to speak not about his teams inability to deliver the killer blow, instead blaming the Memorial Stadium surface for thwarting the pace of his sides play.

"I couldn't believe what it was like and it's a lesson learned for the future. There is nothing a visiting side like more than a pitch which slows up the play.

"It sounds like an excuse but it's actually a reason why we didn't get better crosses into the box from the right in the first half.

Rovers Assets Fail To Beat Hereford

Two teams with divisional aims that are poles apart faced off at the Memorial Stadium, only to find that the gap was not so great after all. Bristol Rovers, installed as second favourites for the League 2 title by the majority of bookmakers, have their sights set firmly on an immediate return to the English third tier come May. For Hereford the task is to maintain Football League status, a feat achieved by a mere three points last season.

The Rovers squad looks to have it all, experience, youth, pace, strength and flair and under the stewardship of daring manager Paul Buckle, a man who took lowly Torquay United from the Conference to the brink of League 1, their fans have good reason to be titillated over their chances of promotion. Twice, too, they attempted to draw blood in the early stages against Hereford, the experience, Scott McGleish, finding the hands of David Cornell with the games first attempt before swiping a low drive across the face of the Swansea City loanee's goal upon being given the gift of space in the penalty area.

Much of the Bulls struggles last term figured around the lack of goals, just fifty in all in the league, Stuart Fleetwood the only man to make it into double figures. The additional captures, however, of experienced striker Delroy Facey, still able to pump his athletic legs across a football field at great speed, and Yoann Arquin, a powerful striker taken from the French lower leagues, had given hope of a change in destiny this time around. The Hereford faithful are still waiting for the wheel of fortune to turn.

Seven games into the season the Bulls have just a brace of goals to show, one apiece for Facey and Arquin, with just one of those strikes coming in league competition. If the West Midlands club are to up their goal tally this year then they will need to be far more ruthless in their finishing than shown in this display, Facey missing his side's only notable chance of the first half, heading wide from a Simon Clist cross.

Tuesday night saw both these sides in Carling Cup action, Hereford dropping out of the tournament after conceding two late goals at Villa Park. Rovers, on the other hand, shook up the already frail foundations of Championship Watford's season, finishing level at 1-1 after 120 minutes of football before hitting the back of the net on four out of five occasions in the shootout decider. The Bristolian's equaliser in midweek came via the right boot of top scorer Matt Harrold, proving, during the early exchanges of the season, to be Rovers in-form man.

The 6' 1" striker is a pivotal cog in Paul Buckle's engine room, responsible for taking the ball out of the air and onto the ground in preparation for further assault on opposition territory, and he proved to be the key man once again in sunny Horfield. It was the Londoner who had the best opportunity of all during the first period, his flicked header from a hurled Matt Gill throw in tipped onto the post by the scrambling Cornell, the Hereford custodian saving once again from Harrold at the start of the second half.

Despite the statistical dominance of the home side it was the visitors ranks that contained the afternoon's shining light, coming in the shape of Harry Pell, a young man who turned down the offer of a new contract during the summer reshuffle at Rovers in search of first team football, happening upon such an opening with Jamie Pitman's side. The former Charlton youth ran the middle of the park for the duration of the game, driving his side on and threatening a steadfast Pirates' defence when the occasion suited.

The luck that has seemingly deserted the Whites for much of the short duration of the season almost emphatically had a change of heart. Man of the match Pell slung in a cross from deep in the right hand channel that viciously whipped over the head of the stranded Scott Bevan who could only listen to the thud of the ball rebounding off the post as he fell backward towards his own line, the defenders in front of him finally clearing the threat.

That slice of fortune did, however, come to the visitors rescue with just seconds left on the clock as Rovers left back Lee Brown blazed into the Bulls penalty area, flinging himself head first at a cross from his namesake Wayne, his neck proving millimetres too short as the ball grazed off his forehead and into the advertising hoardings in front of the Blackthorn End, it's thousand inhabitants left to stand stunned, hands on heads, knowing that was to be the conclusion of the afternoon's quest for three points.

Another Thrashing In The Offing?

During their four year stint in League 1 the best result Bristol Rovers managed came in an emphatic 6-1 win over Hereford, taking no pity on a side destined for relegation back to the Football League's basement division at the first attempt, and they will be hoping for a just as convincing scoreline when they face the Bulls on Saturday.

Rovers are yet to settle into the rhythm expected from them during pre-season, they lost just one of their first team friendlies, but that is not to say that have started poorly. The Gas sit ninth in the table with seven points, their last league game ending in stalemate away at Macclesfield last weekend, though they will be buoyed by a battling display against Championship Watford on Tuesday night, holding Shaun Dyche's men to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes before finishing them off in the resultant penalty shootout.

With striker Matt Harrold starting the season the fine form, the ex-Shrewsbury marksman having netted three goals Rovers five games, and a squad packed full of attacking talent in terms of pace, flair and experience the blank drawn at Macclesfield is likely to be an irregular occurrence wherever Rovers take to the pitch, most notably at home in front of a vociferous home crowd.

In complete contrast to the promotion hopefuls Hereford have much lesser ambitions in League 2 this term, the highest finishing position seen since the relegation from the third tier three seasons ago being sixteenth, the Bulls ending up just three points away from the drop into non-league in May. The cumulative drop in League positions since the 2008/09 season looks to be continuing as Jamie Pitman's side currently find themselves in the bottom two just four games in, only collecting their first point with a 1-1 draw away at Wimbledon on Saturday. That result continued a run of nine away games without a win for Hereford, March the last time they took all three points on the road.

It will be a return to Bristol for a pair of former Rovers players. Ryan Green spent three years with the club and claimed an assist in the 2007 play-off final win at Wembley while Harry Pell, also a loanee at Edgar Street last year, played ten times for the West Country side before turning down a new contract in search of first team football.

The home side will be without Stuart Campbell, the player-coach suffering with a hamstring injury, while Gary Sawyer is still recovering from a hernia operation. Cian Bolger tweaked his ankle ligaments in Tuesday's Carling Cup tie and will miss out against Hereford. Chris Zebroski was also withdrawn from the field against Watford as a precaution but has been back in training and will be in contention as is Harrold, another Pirate subbed off last time out. Joe Anyinsah could make a return to the starting line up having fought back from a hamstring tweak.

There are potential debuts in the offing for Bulls loan duo Will Evans and Thomas Barkhuizen. Wiltshire born Evans comes to the West Midlands from Swindon Town having made one appearance in senior football, as has Barkhuizen, moving down to Hereford from Blackpool until January. Another loanee, Simon Clist, was cup-tied for the midweek game at Aston Villa on Tuesday but could return to to the side at the Memorial Stadium while Rob Purdie faces a fitness test on his thigh.

Stopper Adam Bartlett, saver of two penalties in a Hereford shootout win the last time the two sides met, is definitely out with a thigh injury with central defensive pair Stefan Stam and Beniot Dalibard both out with hamstring problems.

A Matter Of Luck

Watford 'keeper Rene Gilmartin cuts a disconsolate figure after his side lost on penalties to Bristol Rovers

When it rains, it pours, that's certainly the way Watford fans are viewing their start to the season, dropping out of the Carling Cup to League 2 Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night following a penalty shootout.

Hornets boss Shaun Dyche has had it tough thus far, prior to the single goal scored by Marvin Sordell in the 1-1 final scoreline at Rovers there have been just two efforts rustling in the back of opposition nets, both of those coming on the opening day at Burnley. Two home defeats followed, that including a 4-0 thumping against West Ham, and last Saturday's 0-0 stalemate against fellow strugglers Coventry City did little to raise confidence amongst the squad.

And yet they came out against Rovers and scored within 2 minutes through Sordell, only for Matt Harrold to hit a barnstorming equaliser from all of 25 yards, Watford going on to later hit the woodwork on more than one occasion. When your lucks not in...

The dominance shown throughout the majority of the rest of the match reaped little reward, 13 shots missed the target, while the 14 that were accurate found either Rovers goalkeeper Scott Bevan or a flying defensive body to keep the ball out of the net. That's not to discredit Rovers who kept the clear cut chances down to a minimum, defending stoutly under pressure and never giving Watford time to settle.

It would have been pleasing to see for fans of the Horns who, despite being harried whenever they were in possession, created so many opportunities, the link up play between Sordell and his strike partner Troy Deeney impressive with the midfield four joining in every chance they got.

The defensive side of their game worked fairly well, the Rovers players closed down and crowded out quickly, though when the home side got the ball down and passed and moved at pace Watford did look vulnerable. The way that the visitors forced the Pirates back was, however, a positive, a fair amount of the passing from Rovers done around their own defence.

After Gas forward Matt Harrold was withdrawn from the field of play by his manager Paul Buckle Watford were able to control the game by a grander degree, Rovers leaving Scott McGleish to play up front on his own and packing five men into their midfield, thus finding themselves unable to maintain possession at the top end of the pitch, allowing the visitors to launch wave after wave of attack on the home third.

After putting on a brave face for the first half of extra time Rovers came out and looked to take the game to their more illustrious opponents, Adrian Mariappa required to make a fine block from McGleish while substitute Wayne Brown forced Rene Gilmartin to extend his body fully to keep out a free kick that was bending towards the top corner.

Referee Coote failed to award a penalty to the Hornets late on after a rash challenge felled a Watford forward as he blazed into the area, the luck still not returning for Shaun Dyche's men, and it wasn't to make an appearance in the shootout either.

After Jo Kuffour scored the opening penalty for Rovers, John Eustace was only able to find the body of Bevan which deflected the ball onto the crossbar and away. Though the shootout was levelled up after McGleish missed and Sordell slotted home Watford missed their fourth penalty, Bevan getting down to save once again, this time from Carl Dickinson and Mustapha Carayol made no mistake as he won the game for the Pirates, sending the fans in the terraced end behind the goal into delirium.

So the winless run for Watford continues, the failure to make their way past a side two divisions below them will dent the already fragile confidence further though a game against Birmingham City, another side in a slump both on and off the pitch, gives Shaun Dyche's men a chance to put the doubters to rest.

The way the visitors ran the game, however, signals that all is not lost and the sooner the Hornets catch a break the floodgates may start to open. No doubt it is going to be a bumpy ride, it's just a matter of whether the luck returns to Vicarage Road.

Eto'o To Become World's Highest Paid Footballer

A deal of £21.8million has been agreed between Internazionale and Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala for the transfer of Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o to the club owned by billionaire Suleyman Kerimov.

The contract that Eto'o is reported to have agreed will make him the worlds highest paid player, earning £17.9million a year after tax. The transfer will conclude weeks of reported negotiations between the two clubs, German Tkachenko, Anzhi's marketing consultant, leading a team to Milan to finalise the details of the move.

A statement on the official Anzhi website read:

"Today FC Anji (Makhachkala) and FC Inter Milan have agreed on transfer of Italian club`s forward Samuel Eto`o to our club.

"Both parties are fully satisfied with the transfer fee. Football club Anji is thankful to FC Inter officials for taking competent and constructive position in the negotiations.

"The player is to pass medical checkup tomorrow after which he will sign three-year contract with Anji. On Thursday Samuel will join his new team preparing for the match vs. FC Rostov."

The former Barcelona striker, three times a Champions League winner, had scored 37 goals for Inter last term, helping the Nerazzurri to retain the Coppa Italia. The thirty year old has netted a total of 250 goals during a thirteen year club career at a rate of better than one every two games.

Eto'o is not the first big name signing to have joined Anzhi in recent months, Hungarian star Balasz Dzsudzsak putting pen to paper on a four year contract in June while Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos signed a two-and-a-half-year deal back in February, winger Yuri Zhirkov also transferring back to his home country from Chelsea.

Anzhi, from the Republic of Dagestan region of Russia, currently sit fourth in the Russian Premier League table, nine points off leaders CSKA Moscow with a further nine games to go in a season that runs from March to October.

Bristol Rovers 1-1 Watford (4-2 On Penalties)

120 minutes of high energy football were not enough to separate Bristol Rovers and their Championship opponents Watford at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night, the hosts eventually taking the originally postponed Carling Cup tie 4-2 from the penalty spot.

Marvin Sordell scored only the Hornets third goal of the season in the second minute after sliding in to divert Craig Forsyth's low centre, only to see Matt Harrold thump in an equaliser three minutes later. After a goalless extra time period the game went to penalties, Watford missing two of their first four spot kicks, giving Mustapha Carayol the chance to settle the game, the Gambian international obliging with the 12 yard winner.

From the early stages the match looked to be a thriller and within two minutes Watford opened the scoring, Craig Forsyth scampering down the left wing on a break, sweeping a low ball into the box that Marvin Sordell knocked past Rovers goalkeeper Scott Bevan to open his account for the season.

Just a couple of minutes after the restart the game turned back the way of the Pirates as Matt Harrold collected the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a venomous drive from all of 25 yards that had Rene Gilmartin diving in vain to his left, unable to sustain his sides slender advantage.

Watford's front pairing of Sordell and Troy Deeney linked up well throughout and the latter could have snatched back the lead after twenty minutes but Bevan was quick off his line to smother at the ex-Walsall man's feet.

Soon after the match almost swung Rovers way, Harrold knocking down a Jo Kuffour cross into the path of Chris Zebroski who failed to connect with his swinging right boot. Kuffour hadn't given up on the move, however, following in and hitting the underside of the crossbar off of Gilmartin's body, only to see the ball bounce back down plum onto the line and away from goal.

Watford were having the better of the first half proceedings and the loss of central defender Cian Bolger further added to Rovers woes as Deeney again missed chances, flashing a header wide from a Mark Yeates cross before rifling a shot that forced Bevan to push the ball into the side netting.

Kuffour hit a low shot wide but it was at the other end where Josh Walker hit a cracker that thundered off of Bevan's crossbar, meaning the sides went in level at half time.

Into the second half and Harrold and Kuffour saw efforts miss the target, only for the Hornets to take the game by the scruff of the neck, Lloyd Doyley hitting an instinctive effort from range that took a bounce before going out of play via Bevan's right hand post, the Rovers custodian failing to react to the full back's shot. John Eustace was the next to be involved, hitting wide after Forsyth's shot was blocked.

And so it went to extra time, by which point Watford were in full control, Wayne Brown having replaced the imposing Harrold leaving the Gas with little power or presence to hold the ball up front, the away side able to control phase after phase of the play.

The best chance of the extra period went to Eustace, the visiting captain forcing Bevan to drop to his left to stop the downward header while Rovers substitute Mustapha Carayol fired wide at the other end.

The second half of extra time was far more even and there were two late chances for the home side to take the tie. Firstly Kuffour was unable to get on the end of a McGleish ball, the veteran striker reacting quickly to the half clearance as he volleyed a shot directly at Adrian Mariappa.

Moments later came the final opportunity of the game, Wayne Brown hitting a bending free kick that looked for all the world to be heading into the top corner, Gilmartin, though, had other ideas as he tipped the ball behind for a corner.

That was to be it for a game that had kept the 4,432 crowd on the edge of their seats for two hours, penalties the only way the contest was going to be sorted.

Jo Kuffour stepped up first for Rovers, sending Gilmartin the wrong way. Watford's first kick taker was Eustace, his low effort hitting Bevan, bouncing up onto crossbar and away from the goal.

The most experienced man on the pitch, Scott McGleish, failed to utilise what he had learned in his 17 year Football League career as he dragged his penalty wide, Sordell equalising with his own spot kick.

Adam Virgo and Mariappa cancelled out eachother's strikes before Wayne Brown powered his penalty past Gilmartin. The pressure moved onto Carl Dickinson and it seemed to get the better of him as Bevan produced his second save of the shootout.

That left Carayol with the chance to finish the match and with consummate coolness the winger slotted the ball home to hand Rovers a second round tie away to Leyton Orient.

Arsenal And Academy Set For Eastern Adventures

The UEFA Women's Champions League draw, held in Nyon, Switzerland, has thrown up two journeys into Eastern Europe for England's representatives in the continental showpiece for the women's game.

Unseeded Bristol Academy were the first of the pair to be drawn out of the bowl by UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, only to be made to wait just a little longer as Arsenal were initially pulled out for the tie. The competition rules, however, prevent two clubs from the same country facing each other in the round of 32, meaning that Arsenal were placed into the next bracket.

Soon, though, there was to be an opponent picked for the West Country side, qualifiers for the competition after finishing runners up to Arsenal in the 2011 Women's FA Cup final, and it was to produce a daunting trip for the continental first timers. FC Energiya Voronezh, second place finishers in the 2010 Russian Premier League, were the seeded rivals drawn to face Academy, a trip of just under 1,800 miles for the vixens to face.

Having been shunted straight into the next fixture Arsenal were drawn alongside opponents from Belarus by the name of FC Bobruchanka. Based in the Belarussian town of Babruysk Bobruchanka were champions of their domestic Premier League in 2010, thus entering the Champions League at the qualifying stage where they travelled to Croatia for their round robin group. The team finished second in that group, beating Northern Ireland's Newtownabbey and NSA Sofia of Bulgaria and losing to eventual winners Osijek, but were one of two runners up to take a place in the next stage.

The other side to make it into the first knockout phase via the runners up spot were Peamount United of Ireland, coming second behind Spaniards Rayo Vallecano. It will be their debut in the first round proper and they will be taking a Parisian trip as they face PSG who placed second in the Division 1 Féminine earlier this year.

The champions from the north of the border in 2010 were the all-conquering Glasgow City, winners of the last four Scottish Premier League crowns and currently top this term. Making their debut outside of the qualifiers City will face two legs against a team with similar domestic dominance, Valur Reykjavik of Iceland, 10 times champions of their country and 13 time cup winners.

In the other ties holders Lyon will play Olimpia Cluj of Romania while finalists from the 2010/11 competition Turbine Potsdam will face off with Thór/KA of Iceland. 1. FFC Frankfurt, the most successful club in the tournaments history, were drawn against Norwegian side Stabæk.

If Bristol Academy get past Energiya they could play either FC Twente or Rossiyanka while Arsenal would be paired with the winner of Vantaa and Rayo Vallecano in the next stage.

First legs will be played on the 28th/29th of September with the second legs a week later on the 5th/6th of October. Round of 16 ties will be played over the first two weeks of November.

The full draws are as follows:

Round of 32
CFF Olimpia Cluj (ROU) v Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
Peamount United (IRL) v Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA)
CSHVSM (KAZ) v SV Neulengbach (AUT)
Apollon Limassol LFC (CYP) v AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
PK-35 Vantaa (FIN) v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid (ESP)
UPC Tavagnacco (ITA) v WFC Malmö (SWE)
WFC Osijek (CRO) v Göteborg FC (SWE)
Glasgow City FC (SCO) v Valur Reykjavík (ISL)
BSC Young Boys (SUI) v Fortuna Hjørring (DEN)
Thór/KA (ISL) v 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (GER)
ASA Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) v ASD Torres CF (ITA)
FC Twente (NED) v FC Rossiyanka (RUS)
Bristol Academy WFC (ENG) v FC Energiya Voronezh (RUS)
FC Bobruchanka (BLR) v Arsenal LFC (ENG)
Standard Fémina de Liège (BEL) v Brøndby IF (DEN)
Stabæk Football (NOR) v 1. FFC Frankfurt (GER)
 
Round of 16
Stabæk/Frankfurt v Peamount/PSG
Olimpia Cluj/Lyon v Apollon/Sparta
CSHVSM/Neulengbach v Tavagnacco/Malmö
Young Boys/Fortuna v Osijek/Göteborg
Bristol/Energiya v Twente/Rossiyanka
Vantaa/Rayo v Bobruchanka/Arsenal
Thór/Potsdam v Glasgow/Valur
Standard/Brøndby v Tel-Aviv/Torres

'It Is Going To Be Tough' Says Buckle

Paul Buckle admitted that when his Bristol Rovers side line up to face Watford in the Carling Cup this evening they will have a stern test ahead of them.

What remains of the Pirates squad from last term will be looking to put to rest the haunting memories of their 6-1 humiliation away to Oxford a year ago, their opponents having only just won promotion back to the Football League after a four year absence. The last time the Hornets clashed with Rovers was three years ago, once again in the Carling Cup, a certain Will Hoskins sentencing the Gas to a 1-0 defeat at Vicarage Road.

Buckle is under no illusions as to the challenge that stands between his side and a second round tie against Leyton Orient, that despite Watford's thus far winless campaign.

"It is going to be a tough game, and we are going to have to be at the top of our game defensively." Said the Rovers boss, "You have to be watertight without the ball against teams from a higher division. If we can do that we still believe we can create chances.

"I think Watford will mix it up. I watched them in pre-season and the Championship is a tough division, it is a physical league, so we will have to be on top of our game physically.

"The players have been great defending the box, we have to go and do that again, but at the same time we have to try and have some quality to try and open them up when we get the opportunity.

"The fact that they have not won yet this season makes them very dangerous. Their manager is a very organised guy, and Watford are a proud club.

"They will not want to come to Bristol Rovers and go out of the competition, they will see this as an opportunity to kick start their season, what we must try and do is try and add as much misery to their season as we can. If we are at our very best, we will have a chance."

The confidence that a Carling Cup run could provide to Buckle's squad, not to mention the financial rewards to the club, are major factors for future success and the former Torquay gaffer noted that he will be taking the competition seriously.

"The Carling Cup is massive. I have always taken great pride in the cups, and we want to do well every game and do ourselves proud and put a good show on for the fans.

"It is a massive game for us, it is one we are not expected to win, we are playing against a very good Championship side, but we are at home, and we fancy our chances. I think it will be a very good game, a fast game, and we will have to be at our very best.

"We would like to build momentum and confidence ahead of our league game on Saturday. There is so much stuff you can take from a good cup run, I have been fortunate over the last four years to have had good cup runs, and I want to continue that.

"It is exciting for the club that we have a Championship side coming down tomorrow night, to see where we are at as a club."

Despite a tough encounter away at Macclesfield on Saturday Rovers still have a strong squad available, Stuart Campbell and Gary Sawyer the only players definitely out while Joe Anyinsah faces a race against time to prove his fitness.

Bristol Rovers Face Watford In Carling Cup Clash

Bristol Rovers take on Watford in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, a game whose original date was postponed due to the riots that swept the nation.

Rovers come into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw away at Macclesfield having missing a host of chances, hitting the target just the once throughout the ninety minutes. At the other end Scott Bevan was kept far busier, denying Scott Wedgebury during the first half in a one-on-one situation and scrambling saves on further occasions. Rovers sit in ninth position after the weekends round of games concluded with seven points out of a possible twelve and a first clean sheet of the season will encourage the defence and manager Paul Buckle as Rovers look to tighten up at the back.

New Watford boss Shaun Dyche has endured a testing start to the season, his side currently sitting in the bottom three of the Championship table with just a pair of points after the Hornets weekend game also ended in stalemate at Coventry. There have been just two goals for Watford fans to cheer this term, both coming away at Burnley on the opening day. Add in results from the tail end of last season and the Hertfordshire club have failed to win in seven away games.

If Rovers are to get past past Watford, a clash away to League 1 Leyton Orient the reward, they will have to bypass Horns' defender Adrian Mariappa. An academy graduate Mariappa has held down a regular place in the Watford team for the past two seasons, helping the side to 16th and 14th placed finishes, and will look to continue his run for the continuation of this. The 24 year old, scorer of three goals during his six years at Vicarage Road, has been offered the opportunity to play for the Fijian national team, only to turn down the chance offered to appear at the Pacific Games.

One of the key players who will be vying to get the better of Mariappa is ex-Arsenal trainee Jo Kuffour, currently one of Rovers in-form strikers. Though he has scored just a single goal so far the pacy forward has proved that the poor form shown last season is behind him, having started the previous two games and looking threatening with his turn of speed and tricky runs. Pre-season saw rumours of Kuffour's departure, the 29 year old turning down an offer from Yeovil Town before deciding to remain at the Memorial Stadium for Paul Buckle's tilt at League 2 promotion.

Pirates winger Joe Anyinsah will be fitness tested before the game as he looks to make a comeback from a niggling hamstring injury while Stuart Campbell is also unavailable with a longer term hamstring complaint.

Full back Gary Sawyer and young midfielders Ollie Clarke are definitely out having both undergone surgery for a hernia and knee injury respectively.

Watford will be without the services of recent signing Prince Buabe. The Ghanaian, yet to make his Hornets debut, has had a minor hamstring injury and is generally lacking in fitness after joining Shaun Dyche's squad two weeks after pre-season training had started.

Gavin Massey missed the weekend game with Coventry, suffering from a virus, but is likely to return to the squad that travels to Bristol. Imposing forward Chris Iwelumo, formerly of Bristol City, has only a slight chance of recovering in time to face Rovers, Dyche wanting the Scotland international 100% fit before throwing him into competitive action.

Ross Jenkins and Martin Taylor will face fitness tests to determine whether or not they can play after taking slight knocks from the Coventry game.

Buckle Eyes Macclesfield Win

Paul Buckle will go into Saturday’s game against Macclesfield assured in the belief that his side can come away with the victory that will make it nine points out of twelve in the League 2 table.

The Rovers boss has been impressed by what he has seen so far but knows that his side still need to tighten up at the back.

“I am really happy with what I have seen so far,” Said Buckle. “I have had some time to reflect and six points is a good return.”

“We have shown our intent with the goals we have scored, and now we have to keep a clean sheet that must be our next aim for us all, to try and steer clear of silly goals. If we can stay solid as a unit I feel we have goals in us at any time.

“The good signs are there defensively, it is going to take a bit of time, but the players are learning by the minute.”

Buckle knows, too, that teams will do their research and come out with a game plan that will trouble his side.

“We expect to see more aerial bombardment. Teams will do their homework, and if they can exploit some weaknesses in us they are going to do that.

“If we can show that we are resilient whether the ball is played in the air, along the ground or wide, that we are competent at defending, teams are going to find it difficult.

“The aim now is to try and make us nice and solid whatever the opposition throw at us.”

When asked about the opposition his Rovers side will face on Saturday Buckle refused to underestimate the opposition, buoyed by a 4-0 midweek win away at Hereford

“It is going to be a tough game on Saturday, Macclesfield have just gone and scored four goals away, but it is one we are looking forward to.

“On Tuesday they scored four goals, didn't concede, and it was away from home. They have got some good players, and I was impressed with them last season.

“They are a good side, and they will upset a few this season, and we have to be ready.”

Though not known for setting his teams out to play rough the former Torquay boss knows his side will be up for the competition whatever is thrown at them.

“It shouldn't worry us what surroundings we play in because when we train every day we picture being in competition and when we go onto the pitch we picture the training ground.

“We won’t be put off by a smaller club or poor surroundings. We have got our own goals and standards, and our standards are very high at the moment and we want to keep them there.

“Let’s try and go and do the nasty side as well as the nice stuff.

“I think you saw us the other night really dig in and do the horrible side of the game, if we do that we always feel we have a chance to go and express ourselves at the other end.”

Despite looking decidedly dodgy at the back last weekend against Torquay Buckle is pleased with how his team have gelled and adapted to his tactics.

“There is an understanding developing, and everyone involved with Bristol Rovers is looking for us to push forward and start seeing signs of relationships on the field; both attacking and defending.

“As a team I encourage us to go forward as a team, and go back the other way as a team.

“It is going to take a bit of time for the understanding to come, but with the midfield being nice and strong and solid, that is a sound basis for the rest of the team to go and attack.

“But the back four is big for us at the moment, we defended high balls well the other night, and we are going to have to do that again on Saturday.”

Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson noted how important Tuesday’s win was for his side but also took the time to give his opinion on Rovers chances this season.

“It will make it a bit better now as we're up and running and we've got points on the board.

“I think Bristol Rovers are one of two or three favourites to win this division, with their resources and the players that they've signed.

“When you can go and sign the players that are proven and good in this division, the recipe's there to be half decent.”

Rovers will be without Gary Sawyer, Stuart Campbell and Ollie Clarke while Joe Anyinsah is likely to miss out.

Vinny Mukendi and Colin Daniel are side-lined for Macclesfield with Paul Morgan and Waide Fairhurst also doubtful to start.

Rovers And Maccs Look To Continue Where They Left Off

Having beaten Northampton in midweek Bristol Rovers will be hoping to kick into form starting with a win away at Macclesfield Town this weekend.

The delivery of three points on Tuesday will have put the confidence among Paul Buckle's squad back to where it was prior to the defeat last Saturday against Torquay where a poor first half performance, particularly from the back four, lead to two early Gulls goals, too much of a mountain for Rovers to climb come the start of the second half.

In beating Northampton the Gas showed why they are one of the favourites to secure promotion back to League 1 come May 2012, Jo Kuffour turned on a sixpence to shoot home a well deserved goal for the home side. Another goal, eventually scored by Matt Harrold, was required thanks to one of the luckiest goals Adebayo Akinfenwa will score in his career, on loan Rovers defender Cian Bolger hitting a clearance against the forward's shins, the ball swiftly rebounding into Scott Bevan's net.

Add into the equation an opening day win at AFC Wimbledon and Rovers have six points, currently leaving them in seventh place, it is still early days though.

Macclesfield didn't start their campaign at a flying pace, falling to Dagenham before handing Crawley their inaugural win in the Football League, though there was a Carling Cup slaying of Championship Hull in the opening week. Their league form, however, was no indication of what was to come when the Silkmen travelled to Hereford on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half Frenchman Tony Diagne opened the scoring in the 53rd minute before the visitors turned on the style with ten minutes to go. Midfielder Ross Draper picked up the ball, moving to just within the Hereford half before delightfully lobbing Russell Hoult from 45 yards out, a goal that he admitted post-match he would never better. Two more goals followed, both of which came in stoppage time from substitute Ben Tomlinson, rounding off a miserable night for Bulls fans and sending the 47 travelling fans from the Cheshire club home happy and full of faith for this weekend's clash.

The prime reason Rovers are fancied by many this term is down to the depth of their attacking options and currently leading the line is lanky striker Matt Harrold. Despite being aged just 27 Rovers are the seventh Football League club that Harrold has represented, that alongside a smattering of non-league sides, and while the striker has never been seen as prolific at any of the clubs he has played it is his ability to hold up the ball and link the play that has given the forward a career in the professional game. That's not to say he can't score goals, there have been two in the three games he has played since joining the Pirates, but his all round abilities have seen him start the season in fine form.

Perennially given the tag of relegation battlers Macclesfield will have to keep their goals against column to a minimum this year and one man who will be key in the quest for survival is Tony Diagne. Signed from French Club CM Aubervilliers in January the 20 year old centre back has become a regular at the heart of the Maccs defence since making his first start against Hereford in February, opening the scoring in that game as well as this seasons tussle away at Hereford. Diagne has started in all of Macclesfield's matches so far this season and has helped them to two clean sheets in the four games they have played.

In total there have been fourteen meetings between the two clubs with Macclesfield firmly in control of the standings having won half of the games played compared to Rovers two. Of the seven games away at Moss Rose over the years five have finished 2-1 in favour of the home side, the only two games that didn't have such a scoreline have been Rovers wins, including the first victory either side picked up against each other, Jamie Cureton netting a hat-trick in May 1999 as Rovers came back to win 4-3 having trailed 3-1 since the 48th minute.

The last match finished in a 1-0 win for Rovers, that was in April 2007 as the season was drawing to a close, Sean Rigg's second half winner proving vital in his sides quest for a play-off place, the Gas eventually winning promotion at Wembley that season.

In charge of the players on the pitch will be Andrew Madley, embarking on his first season as a national group referee. The Yorkshireman, whose older brother is also a Football League match official, has been on the national group assistant list prior to his promotion this season. Madley's first game in charge came on the opening day, three yellow cards being handed out in a 1-0 win for Barnet over Morecambe. A week later came a London derby, Wimbledon coming out on top against Dagenham, Luke Moore scoring a penalty, awarded for handball, in the process as the Wombles also received two yellow cards from Madley.

Macclesfield are likely to be without captain Paul Morgan who is still returning to fitness after suffering a broken arm while Waide Fairhurst will also be given the once over before the match. Vinny Mukendi and Colin Daniel will miss out on the game with injuries of their own.

Joe Anyinsah could miss out for Rovers after being substituted during the first half of Rovers win over Northampton after a recurrence of the hamstring injury that he suffered during pre-season. Player-coach Stuart Campbell is also sidelined with a hamstring problem while Gary Sawyer is recovering from a hernia operation. Youth team graduate Ollie Clarke is also out after having a knee operation.

Buckle Hails 'Outstanding' Rovers

Bristol Rovers picked up their first home win of the season as they beat Northampton Town 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium.

Jo Kuffour swivelled and half volleyed past Sam Walker to the delight of the home faithful to send the Pirates into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

The game was level after 64 minutes when Cian Bolger's attempted clearance struck Adebayo Akinfenwa and ricocheted into the net but Matt Harrold finished the game as he struck high into the net to move Rovers up into the League 2 play-off zone, much to the delight of manager Paul Buckle.

"We would have took a win by hook or by crook, but to get it in that fashion; I thought we were outstanding.

"Underneath I was disappointed that we weren't 3-0 up at half time, as we dominated the game, had good tempo and good fight and knew what Northampton would offer us.

"Northampton struggled to contain us with the tempo we played at. There was a lot of aerial battles, if you play against a side that keeps throwing the ball in, you have to be resilient and professional."

Rovers were in the ascendancy from the off and nearly took an early lead when Joe Anyinsah hit a spectacular volley, spinning and hitting from waist height, that forced Northampton custodian Walker to tip the ball around the post.

The home side weren't to be denied for long though, Matt Gill's free kick found Kuffour in the box, and the former Arsenal trainee made no mistake, turning and scoring his first of the season.

Into the second half a spell of Northampton pressure tolled as a goalmouth scramble lead to Bolger's clearance rebounding off Akinfenwa to hand Gary Johnson's side an equaliser.

The parity lasted just eleven minutes before Chris Zebroski's fluffed effort rolled through for Matt Harrold who hit the ceiling of the net to restore Rovers lead.

Kuffour and Harrold both had shots cleared off the line late on but there were to be no more goals and Cobblers boss Johnson had to make do with a fruitless journey back to the East Midlands.

"We just never got started at all." Said the Londoner. "They took the game to us, they played their four up front and we knew if we gave the ball away they’d be down our throats.

"That was exactly what we did, we kept giving the ball away and that meant they put us under pressure."

Improved Defence Help Rovers To Win

Having lost at the weekend there was a modicum of pressure on Paul Buckle and his Bristol Rovers side as they lined up to face Northampton Town on Tuesday night at the Memorial Stadium, not that they showed it for a second, the final result ending up being just what the doctor ordered.

Instantly on the attack the Gas put in a free flowing performance that put to rest some of the fears that were rumbling around the minds of fans following the Torquay defeat, Jo Kuffour grabbing the opener and Matt Harrold hitting the winner in the 2-1 win, sandwiched either side of a fluke deflection that rolled agonisingly over the line off Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Questions were asked of the defence on Saturday and, despite a couple of blips, the Rovers back four looked fairly secure. There was one change to the defensive line up that started against the Gulls, full back Michael Smith was dropped in place of Cian Bolger, the bleach blonde Irishman moving into the centre, thus allowing Byron Anthony to take up the position on the right hand side of the defence.

It was Bolger's first appearance since the start of his second loan spell at the Memorial Stadium and the 19 year old justified his selection, winning numerous aerial tussles and pulling off a superb recovering tackle during the second half that denied Michael Jacobs a clear sight of goal.

Bolger did give the home support a couple of heart-in-mouth moments, it was his attempted clearance that ricocheted off Akinfenwa for the Northampton goal and early on the youngster was clearly pumped up, twice breaking the defensive line to press the Cobbler in possession, getting turned on one occasion, but the overall performance was effective and showed off the strengths the Leicester loanee possesses.

At right back Anthony looked defensively solid for the majority of the game, though the introduction of the fleet-footed Lewis Young, brother of Manchester United winger Ashley, gave the Welshman a tough second half. Anthony successfully solidified the defence that looked shaky against Torquay which will have pleased Paul Buckle and vindicated the changes he made, though Anthony is clearly not as comfortable going forward as the man he replaced on the right.

Young's pace and hugging of the touchline gave Anthony a headache and eventually required a second man to come across to contain the quick-witted winger but the side looked overall stronger with the experience of the former Cardiff City youth in its ranks.

Adam Virgo was one of those who took flak following the weekends loss but Northampton found the central defender in fine form, coping well with the height, strength and general imposition of both Bas Savage and Akinfenwa as well as containing the dangerous movement of Jake Robinson. His forward distribution, the majority of which came in the form of high balls towards the tall figure of Harrold, could do with some work and the occasional change in tact but Virgo's first job is to defend and he did so with an air of composure.

Of all those who started at the back the most comfortable was the man with the least Football League experience, Lee Brown. A summer signing from QPR you could argue that Brown was originally brought in as back up to Gary Sawyer but the injury to the latter has given the 20 year old a chance to shine, one that he has firmly grasped.

At 6ft tall the full back stands as a commanding figure on the left hand side and was rarely beaten either on his flank or in the air while his first touch and coolness in possession, not to mention his passing from the back, looked more like that of a player with far more experience.

Going forward, too, Brown has shown his eagerness to not only prevent but to provide, flying down the wing to overlap Scott McGleish before the addition of his namesake Wayne, deployed in a more central role, gave Lee more space to roam in down the left from where he was able to swing in a number of dangerous crosses throughout the evening, almost setting up Kuffour with an exquisite running centre in the first half.

There is still the odd defensive frailty to work on in training and, when playing with such an attacking mindset, there is often going to be a great deal of pressure loaded upon the shoulders of those at the back, most likely coming from the opposition breaking from within their own half, but on Tuesday's display things look far more secure than before.

Progress is being made and add into the equation the talented attacking players in Paul Buckle's hands Rovers look increasingly hard to better at both ends with every game that goes by.

Buckle Keen To Move On From Weekend Loss

Bristol Rovers welcome Northampton Town to the Memorial Stadium tonight as they look to get their League 2 campaign back on track following the 2-1 weekend defeat to Torquay.

Rovers boss Paul Buckle was keen to put the loss against the club he left in the summer behind him without making excuses, saying:

"We have to dust ourselves down and try and get three points Tuesday night. There is still a lot of things to work on, this is going to take a good few games for us to get to know each other.

"We have got so many players who are relocating and moving, that is not an excuse, but it is going to take a bit of time. If tonight we win I won’t then be saying we are the finished article, it is going to take a bit of time.

"We are not getting above ourselves, we don't think we can breeze into games and win them, we understand where we are as a club, the players do, and we are still working on stuff, but we hope it can start with winning ways at home tonight.”

The improved second half performance and Byron Anthony goal meant that there were still positives to be taken from Saturday for the former Exeter coach who is full of confidence heading into the Northampton tussle.

"I am still very confident that if we play to our very best for the duration of the game, I really fancy us in this league.

"We have seen lots of good things, I have been very pleased with what the players have taken on board, especially the attempts on goal on Saturday. There are lots of plusses, but there are a few negatives that we need to iron out, and we will.”

Rovers started slowly against Torquay, conceding two goals within the first quarter of an hour, and looked defensively shaky throughout but Buckle has the belief that his squad can do enough at both ends of the field to take regular victories.

"It is the whole team that has to function when we don't have the ball. You have to score goals to win games, but over the years the defensive side has been vital to me, so I have to get that into the side now. It is something I know I can do

"Defending the box is a big thing at this level, as we saw at Wimbledon and on Saturday.

"The players were very disappointed Saturday after the game, because they know they can perform better. We are all in it together, we will take defeat on the chin and I am sure if we can keep creating those chances, we will win more than we lose."

Saturday saw some poor on-pitch performances but the new Rovers gaffer says that those will not force him into sudden changes.

"I am not knee jerk, I don't believe in that, I think consistency is the way forward. If we can keep consistency, win, lose or draw, throughout 50 games a season, we won’t be too far away from it.

"We work on things, sometimes that means change of formation or personnel, but I am not knee jerk."

One of the first men to step up off the Northampton coach will be Gary Johnson, formerly manager at both Yeovil Town and Bristol City, and who was so often a figure of ridicule amongst the ranks of Gasheads on the terraces. Buckle, however, had nothing but praise for the job the 55 year old is doing in the East Midlands.

"He is an experienced manager, and they are coming to us on the back of a good away win, so they are going to be dangerous. What we have to do is look at them and their strengths, and then look at us.

"They have invested heavily in the summer, and the club have backed Gary. He is newish to the job, they had a tough time last year and he has bought lots of new faces in, they are one of the favourites, and it is going to be tough."

Johnson himself was also complimentary of Rovers when speaking to ntfc.co.uk pre-match, telling the Cobblers website:

"Bristol Rovers is a good club. They are a big club and their crowd let you know when you are an opposing manager, and they will let me know for sure.

“There are some good people there, they have a new manager and a new team and I expect them to be up the top of the table come the end of the season.”

Rovers Victory Is Sweet For Gulls Fans

Two months ago Paul Buckle made the 104 mile move from Torquay to become manager of Bristol Rovers and on Saturday his old charges followed him up the M5 to leave the 40 year old with a day to forget on his first home game in charge.

Having won on the opening day Rovers were high on confidence, they had been named as one of the favourites for League 2 promotion, but that optimism came crashing back to earth with a 2-1 defeat to their West Country rivals, twice shooting themselves in the foot during the opening quarter of an hour. Taiwo Atieno opened the scoring before strike partner Rene Howe, a man who finished last term at the Memorial Stadium, slotted home from the spot, Byron Anthony’s second half header proving a mere consolation.

The result will have come as a surprise to many onlookers, not least Buckle himself.

"We didn't see that coming,” Said the Rovers boss, who was not drawn into fielding questions on the significance for the Torquay fans. “You cannot legislate for individual errors.”

"It hasn't gone for us today, we have got a lot to work on, but we only lost by the odd goal and in the end the players have shown great spirit to nearly come back and get a point.

"We had a go flow to our game in the second half, and put Torquay under severe pressure.

"I think if we can get that first goal teams are going to find it very difficult. The first goal in any game is vital and we feel we gave Torquay a big head start today.”

That head start was grasped in the eleventh minute when too many of the Rovers defence pressed Danny Stevens, allowing the midfielder with the simple task of playing in Kenyan international Atieno who had the time to take a touch prior to slipping the ball past former Gull Scott Bevan.

Little over four minutes later and the lead went from one to two, the Torquay frontline pushing up high on Rovers full back Michael Smith, pressuring the Northern Irishman into a dreadfully weak backpass that allowed Atieno to nip in and touch the ball first, only for the summer signing to have his shins taken from underneath by the sliding Bevan.

Up stepped former Pirate Rene Howe to take the penalty and, as casually as you like, the forward placed the ball into the bottom corner, that despite catcalls from the Rovers fans behind the goal, lambasting Howe about his weight.

A penalty shout at the other end against the arm of Brian Saah was waved away by referee Moss as Rovers pushed for a way back into the game, Adam Virgo nearly providing such an opportunity, his fiercely driven free kick being beaten away by Torquay ‘keeper Bobby Olejnik.

The intensity on the field was growing, Craig Stanley and Mustapha Carayol, both previously players for Torquay under Buckle, receiving yellow cards while Buckle himself also took an ear bashing from the officials.

After the break the visitors spurned a clear cut chance to go three in front as a Kevin Nicholson free kick from the right found Ian Morris in acres of space at the back post, his stooping header producing a stunning one handed diving save from Bevan that had everyone in blue and white breathing a sigh of relief.

Soon after Rovers gave themselves a lifeline as Byron Anthony, the only member of the starting eleven present at the Memorial Stadium last season, found the back of the net. A Stanley throw in looped over defensive heads to find Matt Harrold in the box, he fed Joe Anyinsah whose shot was only parried up into the path of Anthony who nodded over the line from close range.

After Lee Brown had cleared off the line from Atieno Rovers continued to search for an equaliser, substitutes Jo Kuffour and Chris Zebroski firing wide, the former also stinging Olejnik’s hands, but it was all in vein as Torquay went home with the points.

It all meant that Gulls gaffer Martin Ling was able to come away with his first win as United manager and post-match he also noted the importance of the result for the visiting fans.

"It was not a Martin Ling and Paul Buckle situation. Paul is here at Rovers and we needed to go out and play well to beat them, but we only get three points for today.

"It was obviously pleasing for our fans because they felt Paul left them in circumstances that were difficult, but Paul chose to go.

"For the fans, it was a massive game, for the players, I just built it up as a normal league game but it was difficult to come away from the Paul Buckle scenario."

Buckle's Rovers Face Torquay Challenge

Bristol Rovers kick off their home league campaign against Torquay United, a fixture that will have an edge to it, the Pirates having taken manager Paul Buckle from Plainmoor in the summer.

How Are They Doing?

Rovers began their title challenge with a tense 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow last Saturday. The Sky TV cameras were present as the nation, many hoping for a fairy tale start for AFC Wimbledon, saw Rovers take the initiative and force themselves into a two goal lead, Scott McGleish and Matt Harrold capitalising on two Dons mistakes. Two Wimbledon goals drew the game level as the Gas looked to be on the rocks but a late rally resulted in a penalty for Rovers, Adam Virgo dispatching from the spot to give his side the win. Buckle's men were due to play again in midweek but their Carling Cup tie against Watford was postponed on police advice following the nationwide riots.

Coming off of a pre-season that saw superlative wins over Bristol City and Exeter Torquay have had a slow start to their competitive games. Last weekend saw the Gulls, now managed by Martin Ling, having to come back from a two goal deficit against Burton Albion, former Rovers forward Rene Howe pulling the first goal back after faking the goalkeeper, captain Lee Mansell slotting home the equaliser with eight minutes to spare. On Tuesday Torquay fell to defeat in the Carling Cup, Championship Southampton putting paid to any hopes of a cup run with a 4-1 win at St Mary's, the Gulls unable to build on Mansell's early leveller.

Who Are The Match Winners?

Experienced striker Scott McGleish proved that age is no factor to success as he scored one and set up the second in Rovers victory over Wimbledon. Looking thoroughly timeless the former Leyton Orient favourite put in 100% effort to put his side in the drivers seat, defending from the front and sticking his head in areas a man of 5'9" shouldn't reach. Rovers are the tenth club of McGleish's career, though he has been at various clubs on more than one occasion. Over time McGleish has become one of the best known strikers in the lower leagues, scoring goals wherever he has been, including eighteen for Orient last term.

Much of Torquay's success will rely on young midfielder Eunan O'Kane. The Northern Irishman, a Paul Buckle signing, was a key figure in Torquay's run to the play off final in May including a goal in the semi-final first leg with Shrewsbury. A former Everton trainee O'Kane was released by the Premier League club, mainly due to his diminutive frame. A move back to his home in Northern Ireland with Coleraine followed before the Torquay management took note of his talent, signing him on in January 2010, and since then the creative midfielder has made over fifty appearances in Gulls colours.

Have We Met Before?

The two clubs have met regularly during their history, spending much of their time sharing divisions and facing off in cup ties. Torquay had to wait until their eighth meeting with Rovers before claiming their first win, that was in 1930, after the inaugural match up finished in a 1-1 FA Cup draw, Rovers winning the December 1926 replay at Eastville. Friendlies aside Saturday will be the first time in five seasons that the teams will have taken to the same pitch, Rovers winning the last two times, but the one of the most memorable recent games came the season before down on the south coast.

Leon Constantine gave Torquay an early lead which was doubled in the second half by Matt Hewlett before Junrior Agogo took control, pulling one back with sixteen minutes left on the clock and equalising in the 87th minute after a superb run and finish. He still wasn't done, though, as he set up substitute Richard Walker for an injury time winner that completed a stunning comeback.

Who's Up For It?

One man who won't be available for Rovers is central midfielder Chris Lines who has completed a £50,000 move to Sheffield Wednesday.

Stuart Campbell is out with a hamstring injury while Gary Sawyer is still recovering from a hernia operation. Young midfielder Ollie Clarke is also out having had a surgery of his own.

For Torquay Daniel Leadbitter could be in line to make a first appearance after recovering from a hamstring strain. Striker Billy Kee could win back his place in the starting line up having missed the midweek Carling Cup tie with Southampton due to international duty for Northern Ireland under-21's, scoring a hat trick against the Faroe Island's youth set up.

They Said What?

Rovers boss Paul Buckle has dismissed any thoughts that the opposition will make the game special for him, focusing instead on the fact that it is his first home game in charge.

"It is important to try and pick up three points and stay at the right end of the table. It is not a special game for me, it is all about the three points. I am Bristol Rovers manager now, I am proud to be here, and I am setting a team up to go and win on Saturday.

"It is the away fans' prerogative what they want to shout or sing, but I will just be concentrating on Bristol Rovers and trying to make sure we play in a style we like and that you have seen already from us.
"It will be a special game as it is my first home game, but last Saturday was special as well. I was very proud to win the game and lead the team out at the start and see the supporters."
 
Marting Ling was complimentary when speaking about Rovers chances this season but noted that he has identified a game plan to take on the Gas having seen them beat AFC Wimbledon.
 
"I watched their game and thought they played decent, although Wimbledon could have defended better against them.
 
"I think they will be up and around the top places this year and if we match Bristol Rovers we won't be doing too bad ourselves.
"There were positives from them but also some negatives that we can work on. The game was taped by my video analyst and it was a nice tool to have. I've studied that and put together a game-plan, so we can go there and play to our potential."

Virgo Penalty Spoils The Wimbledon Party

Promotion tipped Bristol Rovers battled past a spirited AFC Wimbledon comeback to take the points in the opening game of the League 2 season.

Rovers took control of the game early in the first half thanks to a low strike from Scott McGleish and a close range Matt Harrold header only for the lead to be cancelled out, Jamie Stuart connecting sweetly with a Sam Hatton free kick before substitute Charles Ademeno turned swiftly in the box and put the ball under Rovers goalkeeper Scott Bevan to equalise.

The game finally turned back the way of the visitors when Brett Johnson’s wayward hand lead to a penalty that Adam Virgo placed home.

It was the Dons debut in the Football League and it was to be one long party for the Wombles fans no matter what the result, though Rovers did their best to be the party poopers with the opening goal on nineteen minutes.

Wimbledon goalkeeper Seb Brown chose to throw out to the centre of the pitch but no sooner had Ricky Wellard taken possession of the ball then Rovers captain Matt Gill had won it back, slotting a through pass to the veteran Scott McGleish who went hard and low to beat Brown at his far post.

The clock ticked just three minutes further before Wimbledon dropped another clanger, McGleish hassling the opposition defence into error and running clear into the box. Though his initial shot was saved McGleish was able to pick up the ball on the byline and clip a cross onto the head of Matt Harrold, the forward nodding home from six yards.

With Rovers in control the game looked to be heading one way but Wimbledon were soon back in it as Jamie Stuart scored with a header of his own, turning Sam Hatton’s swinging free kick into the net, the fingertips of Rovers custodian Scott Bevan not enough to stop the bullet.

The second half started with the home side looking the better of the two and their dominance was rewarded with a deserved equaliser, Charles Ademeno taking receipt of a Lee Minshull header that he duly swivelled on before beating Bevan to send the majority of the 4,629 crowd into raptures.

The Wimbledon pressure eased off in the closing stages but Rovers could only find Brown in top form. That was until Brett Johnson’s handball gave Adam Virgo the opportunity to settle the game from the spot, the centre back duly converting with a slam of his instep.

Big Kick Off For Dons And Rovers

The League 2 season kicks off in earnest with Football League debutants AFC Wimbledon facing off with recently relegated Bristol Rovers in front of what will be a capacity crowd at Kingsmeadow.

For Wimbledon the game completes a nine year quest for a slot in the professional divisions, five promotions during that time taking them from the Combined Counties Premier to League 2.

Bristol Rovers on the other hand have spent the close season rebuilding the squad that failed to retain the clubs League 1 status last term and Paul Buckle's forthright approach to this regeneration has lead to the Gas being labelled as one of the front runners for promotion to the third tier.

How Are They Doing?

Both managers have lead their sides through impressive pre-season campaigns. Terry Brown, the Wombles gaffer, failed to win just one of their warm up matches, that was against Sutton, but there have been thoroughly thrilling victories against Premier League Fulham and Championship Watford. It was the Dons, though, who got the domestic season underway when they faced off with Crawley Town in a preliminary round Carling Cup tie. Twice the visiting Wimbledon took the lead only to be pegged back before Matt Tubbs, scorer of 37 goals in the Conference last season, ended the Wombles cup campaign before it had even begun, something that Rovers fans know too much about having fallen at a similar stage to Boston back in 2002.

Rovers scored in each of their pre-season games, netting 23 times in 9 matches, against opposition that varied from Western League Division 1 to the Championship, twice the Gas were controlling games against second division clubs, beating Burnley 2-0 and letting a one goal lead slip in a 2-1 defeat to last year’s losing play-off finalists Reading. The managers will know that pre-season games are about fitness and gelling for their players and that once the season kicks off for real these matches will count for nothing, but they nevertheless will have raised expectations for both fans and players alike for the season to come.


Who Are The Match Winners?

One of Wimbledon's best pre-season performers has been striker Luke Moore. The 23 year old, not to be confused with his Swansea City namesake, scored the opening goal in that Carling Cup tie after a jinking run that beat the majority of the Crawley defence before dispatching a twenty yard drive into the back of the net. That strike adds to further superlative efforts during the Wimbledon friendlies, most notably both in the beating of Watford, and his ability to conjure something from nothing, not to mention his sky-high confidence and excellent form, will mean he is the danger man for the Rovers defence to deal with.

The quick feet of winger Mustapha Carayol, Rovers 7th signing of the summer, will make him one to watch at the Memorial Stadium this year. His unbridled flair and pace have lead to the winger making mugs of numerous opponents and with a squad that, on paper, looks as strong as any other in the division his ability to create goals and cause havoc could prove pivotal in a successful season for the Gas. Last term Carayol was a part of the Lincoln City side who were relegated to the Conference, the team scoring just 45 goals in the process, but with a different calibre of players around him the flying winger will feel confident that his mazy runs will end up with the ball in the back of the net on regular occasions.

Have We Met Before?

Strictly speaking no, AFC Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers have never taken to the same pitch, but the now defunct Wimbledon have played the Pirates before. The five games between the sides have produced just a single win apiece with the other three matches ending level. The only Rovers win came the first time the two clubs were paired, that was in the FA Cup back in 1968, 4-0 the final result there, and since the four League games, all played in the 1980s, have only seen either side come out on top once, Wimbledon winning 1-0, while there were two 1-1 draws and a 2-2 stalemate, the latter being the first time the clubs had met in league competition in 1981.

Who's Up For It?

Bristol Rovers will be missing left back Gary Sawyer who is currently recovering from a double hernia operation. Stuart Campbell will also miss out, as will young midfielder Ollie Clarke.

Sammy Moore, Charles Ademeno and Lee Minshull are unlikely to make the squad with injuries. Manager Terry Brown has admitted that he is unlikely to make many changes from the squad that were defeated by Crawley in the Carling Cup.

They Said What?

Dons boss Terry Brown spoke about his pride at being able to lead his charges out in the Football League for the first time, not only for the club but in his own managerial career.

"Everything after a play-off final is secondary but to be able to lead Wimbledon out on what is an historic occasion is something I will remember for the rest of my life.


"It is a fantastic, how many managers get to manage in the football league? There is only 92 of them and I am part of that now which is pleasurable for me."


"As far as the club is concerned and the fans are concerned, it is a day they have looked forward to ever since they first started the club nine years ago and it will be a real carnival atmosphere, no doubt about that."

Rovers manager Paul Buckle discussed with the press how not only his squad but the whole club has grafted to make this season one to remember.

"We have done a lot of hard work ourselves this summer. Our club has suffered a disappointing relegation, one they felt they shouldn't have gone down.


"The fans, directors and players who are still here are still hurting, so they have got a point to prove, I have got a point to prove and so have the new players.


"We have got enough in our minds to serve us well on Saturday. I am really looking forward to the game, it is going to be exciting. I am a believer that the best team will win on the day, and hopefully that will be us."