Tip-Top Town Represent Tough Test For Rovers

Bristol Rovers will host and in form Swindon Town at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday in League 2, hoping to put to bed the shortcomings that see them languishing in the lower reaches of the fourth tier, though they will have to put in the performance of the season to overcome the rocking Robins.

The form

Both sides come into the game on the back of excellent FA Cup victories, Rovers thrashing non-league AFC Totton 6-1, while Swindon caused a minor upset, dumping League 1 Colchester out to set up a home tie against Premiership Wigan in the third round.

The Wiltshire side are currently on a 13 game unbeaten run, inclusive of the whole of October and November, the most impressive of those results coming in the FA Cup first round, where they dismembered League 1 high-flyers Huddersfield 4-1 at the County Ground.

This stunning form has seen Swindon rise from 11th up to a comfotable 6th in the League 2 standings, as well as guiding them to the area final of the Johnstones' Paint Trophy with victory over table topping Southend. They will clash with Barnet over two legs for a place in the Wembley showpiece, potentially their second final at the national stadium in three seasons.

42 goals in 26 all matches to this point in the season makes them a sizable threat, though the scoring duties have been shared around in recent games, Algerian striker Mehdi Kerrouche is the leading marksman with eight for the season.

The key men

Despite his goalscoring prowess Kerrouche has started just one of Town's last five games, being substituted after just 26 minutes of the cup game at Colchester, as well as receiving some constructive criticism from his manager this week. Raffaele De Vita and Alan Connell have worked in rotation up front along with Birmingham loanee Jake Jervis.

A one time Rovers target under Paul Trollope's management, Jervis possesses a fine physique, standing at 6'3", while also being fleet of foot with the turf ahead of him. The additional tricky feet make the 20 year old a potent threat to any defence in League 2.

Joining at the back end of September means that only one of Jervis' 11 appearances has been on the losing side - that was his debut game away at Macclesfield - the four goals he has bagged in that time displaying his burgeoning talent.

If Rovers are able to keep Jervis and the rest of Swindon's dangermen at bay, then they will have to work their way past towering centre back Aden Flint to take the win.

The lanky defender, signed for an undisclosed fee from Alfreton Town at the turn of the year, has been a rock in the Robins defensive line, dominating the aerial duties when is called upon, leaving Paul Buckle with a tactical weight on his mind come match day.

The gaffer

If you don't know about the latest rider on Swindon's managerial roundabout, which rock have you been hiding under; the focal point for much of the media's coverage of Town this season has been ever-controversial boss Paolo Di Canio.

The County Ground hot seat is the Italian's first job in football management and, after battling through a rocky start, he seems to be coming good. Di Canio has produced a multinational squad containing Spaniards, Italians, an Algerian and even a Namibian, a rare sight in the British dominated bottom rung of the Football League.

The continental approach instilled into his squad is paying dividends, the Reds now playing an attractive brand of slick, passing football, the pace of the forwards and widemen a menace to opposing defences.

In-keeping with the former West Ham striker's character, there have been differences with players, the touchline dispute with Leon Clarke was well publicised at the time, and it is fair to say that opposing fans have centred their attention on Di Canio, often taking pressure away from his team inadvertently.

The history

The close proximity of the two clubs, both in terms of locale and league positions, has created a simmering rivalry, never more apparent than in recent seasons.

Every year since Swindon became the first Premier League era side to be relegated to the basement division, they and Rovers have met in league fixtures. Rickie Lambert scored a scorching 40 yard half volley at the Memorial Stadium that season to help Rovers into the play-offs, from which they were promoted.

The Robins have edged the record since then, winning four of the eight games, although the Gas did manage an emphatic double in 2009/10, thumping Swindon 3-0 at home before humiliating them 4-0 at the County Ground. Will Hoskins opened the scoring in last season's corresponding fixture, which ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.

Surprisingly, it may be Jeff Hughes that Rovers will miss the most. The midfielder, now with Notts County, had scored in each of the last four tussles between the clubs.

The verdict

Rovers will have to be on the top of their game to snatch all three points in this one; Swindon are riding on the crest of a wave. The Pirates will need to remain tight, compact and not get sucked in by Town's passing rhythm, while breaking incisively themselves.

Aden Flint will most likely monopolise the aerial challenges, so getting the ball out to Mustapha Carayol and Jo Anyinsah on the wings will be way forward.

Matt Ritchie's suspension will be a blow to Swindon, the wideman has scored seven this term, as well as creating numerous others. It may, however, open up a space in the centre midfield for Simon Ferry, who will need to be kept under wraps by his quartered counterparts - bringing Craig Stanley back into the side may be advisable.

De Vita Breaks Pilgrims Resistance

Raffaele De Vita's 82nd minute strike lead his battling Swindon Town side to a 1-0 triumph away at Plymouth Argyle.

The Italian ended a flowing counter attack to leave the Pilgrims rock-bottom of the Football League, though it was not for a lack of trying on the hosts part, their eight shots on target finding determined Swindon bodies between them and the back of the net.

It was Plymouth, looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games, who started the brighter, a barrage of corners eventually leading to two efforts on goal. Curtis Nelson initially found the back of teammate Matt Lecointe, before the rebound looped up for Robbie Williams to volley into the arm's of Wes Foderingham.

Central defender Nelson was a constant threat when lurking in the Swindon penalty area, as two more of his strikes required blocks from visiting bodies, either side of Jake Jervis' header going narrowly wide at the other end.

With his side on the back foot Cristian Montano took it upon himself to take the game to the fragile Plymouth defence. The Colombian managed to skin two defenders before letting the moment slip, his final shot rolling comfortably into the grateful palms of Argyle custodian Jake Cole.

Robbie Williams late free kick, held by the strong hands of Foderingham, summed up the first half as the home side worked hard for no reward.

Paulo Di Canio's half time team-talk appeared to motivate Swindon for the second half as the visitors began to stroke the ball around more confidently, adding an extra yard of pace to the game.

Birmingham loanee Jake Jervis twice missed the target when well placed while two short-corner routines caught the Plymouth defence cold, though Jonothan Smith's header was the best chance to result from them.

Argyle were not done yet, however, as their best chance of the match came and went within the blink of an eye, Conor Hourihane's inswinging corner finding the forehead of Jamie Griffith. With the substitute's bullet header flying goalwards Foderingham instinctively threw a hand up, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

Five minutes later, with the home side pressing for the winner, Swindon broke downfield, the ball making it's way to Matt Ritchie on the right hand side, the ex-Portsmouth youth crossing for De Vita to beat Cole with a low angled drive.

With the game almost up Argyle fought valiantly for a route back in, but not even the presence of Cole in the Swindon area for a late corner could force the equaliser, leaving the Pilgrims five points adrift of safety, while the Robins move to just a point away from the League 2 play-off places.

Wrights And Wrongs

Stand at Memorial Stadium bar and mention the name 'Mark Wright' to the assembled Gasheads and you'll probably be met by Bristolian mumbles of 'lazy b*****d' into a pint of Blackthorn. The former Rovers winger, now with Shrewsbury Town, represented the Pirates 25 times during the 2009/10 season and swiftly became a bete noir amongst supporters.

That was, of course, two seasons ago, and yet the hostility felt towards the Wolverhampton born footballer was still in evidence when Shrewsbury visited Bristol for their League 2 clash with Rovers, boos ringing around the terraces every time Wright touched the ball.

It is a tale that doesn't just involve Wright, his best friend in the game, Carl Regan, has also been on the receiving end of vitriol from the Rovers faithful, vitriol that, at one point, went a step too far.

Having spent two seasons at MK Dons, winning the League 2 title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy during the course, Wright was allowed a free transfer by Paul Ince, joining fellow League 1 side Brighton & Hove Albion. After just five appearances in an Albion shirt Wright secured a move to Bristol Rovers, not even having been under contract at the Withdean Stadium for six weeks. The claim from all parties was that he had failed to settle on the south coast. Brighton still made a profit from the sale to Rovers, rumoured to be in the region of £30,000.

Wright went straight into the Rovers team, facing Millwall for the second time in eight days, and had a spell in the side that lasted throughout the winter and into the new year. Wright was finally dropped from a regular starting XI berth on February 9th, his last appearance for Rovers at their Filton Avenue ground, he would play just one further minute for the club, coming on as an 89th minute substitute against Brighton on April 24th.

Over this period Wright had a number two marked next to his name in the assists column, though his performances in the blue and white quarters of the Pirates were largely ineffectual. Wright was demonised by the fanbase as a slacker who made little effort to get forward and rarely picked out a forward pass. Those facts can't be argued with and after a few games supporters grew weary of such displays, noticeably getting on the wingers back, but it can't all be put down to form and confidence, both areas in which he was found lacking.

During his time with MK Dons Wright was allowed freedom in the attacking formation of Paul Ince and and paid back his manager during 2007/08 by finishing as the clubs top scorer, claiming 15 goals and helping his side to the aforementioned double. His debut season in League 1 with the Dons didn't go quite so well, Wright netted just five times, though flashes of talent were shown. He was deemed surplus to the requirements of a club that were gunning for promotion at the third tiers top end, thus moving onto Brighton.

His manager at Rovers would be Paul Trollope, well known for his outright defensive and thoroughly negative tactics. Wright was thrown onto the right hand side, not to play as an out and out winger but to help support the team in their defensive duties. His natural instincts, bred into him over two seasons at Stadium:MK, were not allowed to flourish as he was instructed to double back on opposition wingers, running the flanks in the way that Wright no doubt wished to.

Bereft of confidence and with fans breathing down his neck Wright could, should, have been made to fight hard for his place, he was instead left in the team to suffer by the stubborn Trollope. With little improvement in performances forthcoming Wright began to make his own bed, his attitude lacking in subtlety as he loped around the pitch, seemingly without a care in the world.

Wright's move to Rovers was predated by the club signing Carl Regan, the two were teammates at MK Dons. Regan began his Rovers career with solid displays and was a top performer for the first few months of the season, though the appearance of his buddy, Wright, on the scene was thrown into the ring as a reason for his form dropping over the course of 2009/10

At the front end of the next season Wright was shipped out on loan to Shrewsbury, becoming an instant hit at the Greenhous Meadow, scoring ten goals before January when his switch was made permanent.

Meanwhile Regan had started the season in good form at Rovers, until, that was, a straight red card was flashed his way in a 3-0 home defeat to Leyton Orient. As he left the pitch the crimes of last season resurfaced amongst those on the terraces and he was booed as he traipsed down the tunnel. He never regained his form and on 23rd of February went out on loan to Notts County, a move which was met by a comment from Wright, via Twitter, that his friend had moved onto better things, Rovers struggling, eventually in vain, against relegation.

Many of the online Gas contingent were still following Wright at this point and, soon enough, abuse was sent the way of the 29 year old. The keyboard warriors continued to fire insults Wright's way before someone went over the top. An account 'wright2s***e' was created and posted on the social networking site '@markwright82 [Mark Wright's Twitter user name] don't worry mark now you've left brfc you've got a better chance of playing in the african nations or shrewsbury zoo'.

This comment was simply 'retweeted' by Wright, meaning that anybody who followed him via Twitter would see the posting. Wright is no longer on Twitter, the wright2shite profile is still live, though totally inactive since the incident

Eventually the situation settled down, Wright scored four more goals and finished as top scorer as the Shrews lost out in the play-off semi-finals. Regan was released by Rovers and subsequently joined the Shropshire club. The latter would miss out on the game at the Memorial Stadium, announcing his injury via Twitter, receiving further uncouth replies from a small segment of Rovers fans.

Wright, however, would take to the pitch in his sides losing effort. Catcalls were sent his way throughout a contest in which he would no doubt have liked to put in a match-winning performance, though in the end he flattered to deceive. While twisting and turning the defenders successfully he didn't provide the end product to match. Wright's match was summed up when his late corner failed to beat the first man and flew high up into the air. It fell for Wright himself to control, dropping onto his foot and skidding out for a home throw in to great cheers from the much of the support.

It is a sorry saga that shines neither Wright or Rovers in a good light, they would both like to put it behind them. The fans, however, will not forget the whole deplorable situation, though a modicum of amnesia would, perhaps, be for the better.

There are Wrights and wrongs on both sides.

Zebroski Halts Rovers Slide

When the cheers that greeted the final whistle of Bristol Rovers 1-0 win over Shrewsbury subsided the fans within the Memorial Stadium drew a collective sigh of relief.

Chris Zebroski's first half goal successfully ended a run of four League 2 games without a victory that had blighted the early season optimism of supporters, though it wasn't all plain sailing for Paul Buckle's side. If it weren't for the Shrews wastefulness in the final third the result could easily have been different, though as it was the Gas were the team who created the best chances on the night.

Chris Zebroski's inclusion in the started line up, in place of the veteran Scott McGleish, was the only change from Saturday's team that drew up at Bradford, the former Torquay forward proving, quite typically, to be a thorn in the opposition's side. Now getting a chance to play through the centre Zebroski appears more capable of producing on a regular basis than when placed out wide, his powerful running pressurising the Shrewsbury back four.

One such burst at the heart of the Salops defence drew a foul from central defender Ian Sharps two yards from the edge of the penalty area. Referee Graham Scott ignored home catcalls for a red card, instead awarding a yellow, deeming there to be a covering defender. It was one of a set of bemusing decisions from the Oxfordshire official.

Zebroski's goal, a volley from the edge of the box, came as a result of Matt Harrold's knock-down and was a well taken strike, doubling the 24 year old's tally for the season. It came very much against the run of play as Shrewsbury ran the majority of the game.

The visitors ended the match with 62% of the possession, pushing hard down the wings via Lionel Ainsworth and ex-Rover Mark Wright. Ainsworth's pace had Rovers on the back foot from the off, though first Lee Brown and then Michael Smith dealt with the threat commendably. Wright proved to have a frustrating night, his twists and turns were dangerous, his final balls less so, though a second half drive that whistled inches past the frame of the goal had Scott Bevan flying despairingly through the air.

The right hand flank saw Ainsworth backed up by monstrous full back Jermaine Grandison who overlapped at will as Shrewsbury looked to force the issue from the wide positions. Grandison, and his left sided cohort Joe Jacobson, were able to make an impression on the game with little care for their defensive duties as neither of the Rovers flankmen possessed great pace, indeed, both were arguably playing out of position, Wayne Brown a central midfielder by trade, Eliot Richards a striker.

And yet for all their statistical dominance Rovers still created the better of the chances, Cian Bolger unlucky not to score from a corner as Shrews stopper Ben Smith made a fine save on the line from point blank range.

The dying seconds saw Ainsworth almost snatch a leveller, his twenty five yard drive pushed around the post by the palms of Bevan. The resulting corner saw Smith charge towards the Rovers area, the short corner taken his way, only for the rush 'keeper to slip at the crucial moment. Eliot Richards had the chance to give the travelling support a sense of Deja Vu, though he was unable to put the ball into the empty net as Sammy Igoe had for Rovers at Wembley five years ago.

Paul Buckle and his squad would have taken a win in this fixture by hook or by crook, but if they want to continue to push past their current position of 12th in League 2 their game will need to pick up. Rovers had been kicked back to square one, now they must rise again.

Rovers Search For Form Against Shrews

Matt Harrold in a previous life, wearing Shrewsbury Town Colours

When your luck is out the last thing you need is a questionable refereeing decision. That's exactly what Bristol Rovers were handed at the weekend.

With literally seconds of stoppage time to go Michael Flynn spoiled the Pirates' northern jaunt by slotting away his second penalty of the game to level the scores at 2-2. The first spot kick was a stonewaller, there could be no protestations from the gas contingent. It was the second award from the officials that had players in uproar. Jamie Devitt broke into the box only to fall under minimal contact from Rovers full back Lee Brown, the linesman flagging, referee Miller pointing to the spot.

Had the decision not gone Bradford's way it would have seen a run of three league games without a win halted, it wasn't to be. Instead Rovers go into Tuesday's game with high-flying Shrewsbury looking for a change in fortune, that may be hard to come by against one of the divisions form teams. Having handed Plymouth what remains their only point of the season on the opening day the Shrews kicked off the season in tortoise-slow fashion, there was to be one further point from their next two games. What has transpired since has seen the club propel upwards and into the automatic promotion spots.

Four straight wins, not to mention a shock Carling Cup victory over Swansea, have boosted the mood at the Greenhous Meadow, their last game finishing in a 3-1 triumph over local rivals Hereford. Marvin Morgan was at the double in that match, outmuscling his defender for the first and slotting coolly home to put the game beyond the Bulls late on.

Those strikes came either side of a goal from Mark Wright, a former Rovers player himself, who left the the club after a largely unfruitful season under Paul Trollope. His attitude made him a bete noir among the Bristolian faithful though since dropping down to the fourth tier Shrews his form has been stunning. The former MK Dons winger netted 14 goals last term and was a major part of Town's run to the play-offs, he already has braces of both goals and assists this season.

There could also be a possible Memorial Stadium return for left back Joe Jacobson, who started in the XI that faced Hereford. Tuesday will also give Matt Harrold an opportunity to give Shrewsbury, the club that sold him to Rovers in the summer, just what they are missing out on.

Rovers hold the lead in the overall record between the two sides, holding 27 wins to their opponents meagre 15. It will be the first time the clubs will have met since 2006/07, a season which saw them become well acquainted with each other. In the four games that season Rovers came out on top three times, drawing the other, most importantly in front of over 61,000 spectators at Wembley when they ran out 3-1 winners in the League 2 play-off final. It was their tenth unbeaten game in succession, a run from which they snatched sixth place on the final day of the season and disposed of Lincoln for the end of season showpiece.

Stewart Drummond headed the Shropshire side into a 3rd minute lead though Rovers refused to lay down quietly. Richard Walker produced a fine finish to equalise before exquisitely lobbing Chris Mackenzie for the half time lead. Shrewsbury spent the second half probing for a way back into the match and won a corner in the final minute for which Mackenzie made his way into the opposing penalty area. The corner was swung in but the danger removed, allowing Pirates midfielder Sammy Igoe to pick up the loose ball, run half the length of the field and slip the ball into the unguarded net, securing promotion and inciting delirium among the nigh on 40,000 Gasheads that had made the trip to the capital.

Team news for Tuesday sees Gary Sawyer unavailable, the full back missing out as he slowly returns to fitness following a hernia operation.

Captain Matt Gill has been feeling fatigued of late but manager Paul Buckle is hopeful that he will be available.

Shrewsbury will be without ex-Rovers defender Carl Regan who is lost his place in the side following a quadricep injury.

Striker Terry Gornell is suspended following a straight red card in the win over Hereford. While he serves a three match suspension Tom Bradshaw and James Collins will be fighting for the vacated spot.

The space on the bench could go the way of defender Connor Goldson or one of the wing pair of Steve Leslie and Jon Taylor.

Midweek League 1 Round Up - 25/01/2011

Six fixtures took place on Tuesday evening in League 1, the highlight being Brighton, top of the division, taking on Colchester at the Withdean but there were also important games taking place at Hillsborough and The County Ground in Swindon.

Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Colchester United


With MK Dons being the only other member of the top six to be playing Brighton had the chance to extend their lead at the top of League 1 to six points and they didn't disappoint, remaining at the head of the table for the 18th consecutive game.

Albion threatened early and loan signing Chris Woods nodded a shot towards goal, only to see it come back off of the post, but it was just before half time that the home side took the lead, Inigo Calderon stroking home, the full backs fifth goal of the season.

With 75 minutes on the clock Brighton doubled their advantage thanks to Craig Noone's first goal for the club since joining from Plymouth at the start of the month, beating numerous before driving past Ben Williams from the edge of the area. Colchester will be without Pat Baldwin for their next game after the defender was shown red for a second bookable offence late on.

Leyton Orient 2-2 MK Dons


Despite a patchy run of form MK Dons find themselves sat in fifth place in League 1 following an exciting encounter at Brisbane Road. A win would have taken the Dons up to fourth but Orient are decent at home, having gone unbeaten in their previous eight fixtures at their own place including a thumping 4-0 weekend win over big guns Sheffield Wednesday. Orient were without manager Russel Slade for this game, the gaffer having to spend time in hospital following minor surgery, so assistant manager Kevin Nugent was to take charge, and it wasn't long before they found themselves behind in a pulsating first half.

It was Stephen Gleeson who gave the Dons the lead with a stunning volley from 25 yards out having controlled the ball on his chest. Two minutes was all the lasted, though, Scott McGleish taking advantage of Dean Lewington's slip to draw Orient onto level terms. That goal totally changed the game and the O's started to make real headway, Dean Cox rifling a shot back off the post before the winger turned provider, sending in a cross for experienced defender Terrell Forbes to head home and it remained that way until 56 minutes. Sean O'Hanlon heading in from close range from a Peter Leven delivery.

It remained that way until the end pushing Orient a point further from the relegation zone and propelling the Dons into the play-off zone, although the away side would have preferred the victory they arguably deserved, having a negative goal difference and playing at least two games more than many of the teams on their tail.

Walsall 1-1 Oldham Athletic



Before this game Walsall were cut adrift at the bottom of the table, nine points behind 20th placed Swindon Town and after this draw nothing had changed. Oldham on the other hand knew that a win against the strugglers would see themselves jump Charlton, Peterborough and possibly the MK Dons and into the play-off places.

Much of the early pressure came from the hosts but on a number of ocassions striker Will Grigg, recently called up to the Northern Irish under-21 side, found himself unable to beat Oldham stopper Ben Amos and they were punished for their carelessness when Filipe Morais scored in his second successive game to give Latics the lead. Just past the hour mark Walsall levelled thanks to a fierce Darryl Westlake effort from just inside the penalty area.

It was a result that will do no side any great favours as they continue in their own personal battles at either end of the league table.

Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Yeovil Town



Following an appauling mauling from Leyton Orient on Saturday Sheffield Wednesday looked to get their play-off challenge back on trakc against relegation threatened Yeovil, but there was to be no relief for under fire Owls boss Alan Irvine following a clash that had it all.

Dean Bowditch opened the scoring for Yeovil, running into the area and seeing his shot take a deflection off of a home defender to loop over the stranded Nicky Weaver and into the net. It was down to Wednesday's new signing Gary Madine to level it up for the home team, heading in from six yards out. Two melees took place on the pitch as the game really started to heat up and tensions boiled over.

The Somerset side took the lead again in the second half, Paul Huntington heading goalwards from an Andy Welsh corner before the context of the game changed due to a second yellow card for Yeovil full back Luke Ayling. Adam Virgo came on to shore up the Glovers defence, only to be sent off for fouling Madine in the area moments later. It was down to Giles Coke to level it up for Wednesday and if it weren't for Paul Heffernan encroaching into the area it would been, but as it stood the penalty had to be retaken and this time it didn't end well for the former Motherwell midfielder as he skied the ball well over the crossbar.

With four minutes left, however, Wednesday drew level. Despite a fine double save from Yeovil man of the match Stephen Henderson Reda Johnson knocked the ball over the line to deny Yeovil a battling win. The home side sit 10th, off of the pace and will hope for an up turn in fortunes between now and the end of the season. Yeovil remain in the relegation zone but their good form in recent games will give them the confidence that they need to stay up.

Hartlepool United 1-1 Notts County



Injury hit Notts County faced a trip to Hartlepool where a draw always looked the likely result. County were unbeaten in their last four games on the road, drawing three and winning one trip, while Pools had gone 419 minutes without scoring a goal.

It was Hartlepool who made the breakthrough in the 38th minute, Gary Liddle the scorer despite claims of offside from the Notts defence. The Magpies had to wait until the second half for their equaliser, Lee Hughes stepping off of the bench to secure a point for the visitors, knocking the ball over the line from a position he could hardly miss from. The striker is the subject of transfer interest from Sheffield Wednesday, who are looking to bolster an already strong frontline in their promotion challenge.

County moved a further point away from the relegation zone while Hartlepool have now failed to win in five games.

Swindon Town 0-0 Tranmere Rovers



Following Saturday's 3-1 defeat to local rivals Bristol Rovers Danny Wilson is starting to look down the barrel as his side slip deeper into relegation trouble. Tranmere have moved slightly away from trouble after they shocked Southampton 2-0 at the weekend.

The best chance of a dour game fell to Charlie Austin but the wantaway striker saw his penalty saved by former Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner after Michael Timlin was fouled in the area by Joss Labadie. Tranmere's best chance fell to Lateef Elford-Alliyu who hit the post while Rovers also saw two penalty shouts turned down. In the second half Austin had another great chance but his drive from a tight angle hit the underside of the crossbar before bouncing to safetey for the Merseysiders.

A draw does neither of the sides any real favours as they both remain in trouble at the wrong end of the League 1 table.

Relief At Last

Commitment, passion, pride. Three attributes required to win any game of football, let alone a local derby. And did I mention survival on the line?

Twelve games had gone by since Gasheads had seen a Bristol Rovers victory and the wait for the next was becoming tense.

Rovers were sat in 22nd place in the League 1 table, two points off of survival but having played a game more than both Yeovil and Tranmere above them. The Glovers had won their last three games too so no change could mean Rovers slipping adrift of the pack. Swindon had been in decidedly dodgy form also and last years play-off finalists were just four points above Rovers in 19th place leaving it all to play for, and it all started so well.

Just six minutes in a neat passing move saw Chris Lines slip in Will Hoskins who dinked the ball over the onrushing Phil Smith to put the Gas into the lead, but having let advantages slip in two of their last three home games the fans and players alike knew it wasn't over yet.

For the first ten minutes it seemed that Dave Penney's application of pressing tactics was being implemented well, the midfield weren't dropping immediately to the edge of their own area as they had been under the leadership of Paul Trollope, all good then, or maybe not. A goal to the good and putting decent pressure onto Swindon, Rovers began to drop off the opposition and allow them masses of time and space and the match started to go backwards for them.

They kept battling and creating chances though, and there were signs that some of their neat passing may pay-off later in the game, there were less hopeful punts up field towards the 5'9" and 5'7" strikers and possession was being kept well.

It was all even until the second goal of the game, Jo Kuffour capitalising on dodgy passing among the Swindon back line as he rounded the 'keeper to double Rovers advantage. The home side continued to force themselves back and give Swindon time on the ball, Robins captain Jonothan Douglas sitting deep and spraying a number of passes to his teammates as they pushed for a way back into the game and with 24 minutes left they found one, David McCracken, on loan from Brentford, missed a header on the edge of the area and allowed John-Paul McGovern into the penalty area and smash the ball past a rooted Luke Daniels.

This only spurred the Pirates on, however, and they began to work the ball around again and a Will Hoskins cross found Jeff Hughes who glanced in to seal victory, his fourth goal in his last four games against Swindon.

It was an impressive and confident performance from a side who have lacked a solidity over recent months and although Swindon had overall more chances than Rovers it was only the goal and one other effort that really looked dangerous, Luke Daniels mopping up a number of weak attempts on his goal. The dangerman for Swindon was supposed to be Charlie Austin. The youngster scored 20 goals in his first season since signing from Poole Town last term and was already on 17 this year and has scored against Rovers in the past but he was kept subdued by the partnership of Anthony and McCracken, the latter being dominant in the air. Carl Regan and Gary Sawyer in the full back positions had erratic moments and were often caught out by the pace of McGovern and Ritchie on the flanks, and failed to close down Swindon in the wide areas, something that was a purposeful tactic under Paul Trollope.

The midfield area has been a problem this season, often outmuscled and missing when it matters they were much improved, Jeff Hughes and Chris Lines putting in real shifts and showing that their form last season wasn't just a fluke. Lines in particular was singled out by Dave Penney in his post match interview, Penney saying:

"I thought Chris Lines had his best game since I had been here today, running the midfield, and you could see he is a good player.

Ben Swallow continues to make progress on the left flank and is certainly looking a good prospect for seasons to come as he looked to force himself upon defenders and the way he harried the Swindon back four when in they had the ball will earn him the respect of the Rovers fans.

Will Hoskins form up to now has been imperious, and it was to be no different against the Robins. After his early goal, following a surging run and a cheeky finish, he continued in the same vain. Not only did he work hard in the centre of the pitch Hoskins also worked the channels and wasn't afraid to get into wide areas, Rovers third coming courtesy of a Hoskins cross from the left. If he keeps working away the Leagues joint second highest scorer could come under the transfer spotlight again, Rovers already having turned down three bids from Championship Scunthorpe.

His strike partner Jo Kuffour worked hard, showing good strength to hold the ball up on numerous occasions, most notably in the sixth minute when he controlled the ball and laid it off to Lines to skip Hoskins in for the opener. The former Arsenal trainee also showed his intelligence as he took full advantage of Swindon's mistake at the back to slot home.

Rovers boss Dave Penney was delighted with the way his team applied themselves to the game, telling bristolrovers.co.uk:

"We got the early goal which got us going, got the supporters behind us.

"We score at the right times really, just after half time we scored the second and killed the game off a little bit, they got one and then we went back down the other end and got the third and really killed the game off.

"I couldn't have asked for much more from the players, the 11 stayed out on the pitch as they were excellent, there was no need to change it, and they all looked fit and sharp.

"It was important for me as a manager to get a result, and I think it is a bit sweeter that it was against a team just down the road."

When Penney took over one of his biggest complaints with the squad was the lack of fitness among the players and so to see the starting eleven remain on the pitch until full time will be heartening and shows the progress that has been made already.

One comment from the gaffers post match interview that some fans may find disheartening was that he feels he only has two players in central midfield that he feels he can rely on in Chris Lines and Stuart Campbell. With Dominic Blizzard having been placed on the transfer list on Friday it is becoming apparent that Wayne Brown, signed on a free from Fulham in the summer, is now falling out of favour. Brown has scored a single goal in his eleven starts thus far this season but has made little impact overall, spending the majority of his time on the right hand side of midfield, whereas his preferred position is in the centre. He is still young, though, and learning his trade as he goes along and there have been glimpses of talent there but perhaps Penney feels that his 5'5" frame is not what is required in the centre with his side in the mire.

On two occasions Rovers fans could be forgiven for having a look of fright on their faces, firstly when Byron Anthony smashed head first into the Swindon woodwork when committedly flinging himself at a corner. Deeper into the first half top scorer Will Hoskins pulled up after chasing a ball wide on the Swindon back line, collapsing off of the pitch and requiring Rovers physio Phil Kite to sprint round from the opposite touchline to treat the former Watford man. A slice of tape later and the striker was soon back up on his feet, sprinting straight back into the action and Gashead hearts dropped from their mouths.

For Swindon it looks as though there is a real threat from the drop zone and the pressure on Danny Wilson looks to be reaching an insurmountable level. Keeping hold of Charlie Austin will be key for the Robins but that seems less and less likely as the days go by, although any scouts the the Memorial Stadium wouldn't have seen the display of a potential Championship striker.

If it weren't for Tranmere stunning Southampton, Rovers would be out of the relegation zone but overall results went their way, Dagenham and Walsall below them losing ground on the Gas, and Notts County, plus Swindon of course, losing means that they are within touching distance of those above them. Walsall are the next team to challenge the Gas, the sort of game that Rovers must be getting three points from if they are to survive. The Bescot beckons.

A Season On The Line - Swindon Preview

It may be January still but this could be one of the biggest games of the season for Bristol Rovers. A chance for a vociferous atmosphere against a local rival if Dave Penney can get things right the fans will get behind him and his team, breeding confidence among the players while putting fear into opposition hearts. The atmosphere at the Memorial Stadium has been subdued over recent months, poor form and disturbingly bad football giving them nothing to shout about but things are steadily progressing.

A first clean sheet in 17 games came in midweek against Hartlepool, with loan signing David McCracken making a big impact on the home fans with a commanding performance at the heart of the Rovers defence. McCracken joined on the day of the game from Brentford, initially on a months loan deal, who seem to be looking to let the defender go having put a clause in the deal that allows them to recall the Scot if another club makes a permanent offer for him. The loanee is confident that his new team can gain confidence from the clean sheet at Hartlepool and start to force the results they so desperately need, he told thisisbristol.co.uk:

"I want to do well for the club during my time here and my first impressions are that there is a hard-working bunch of boys here desperate to get out of trouble.

"You can see that there are obviously a few players lacking in confidence, but that happens in a team that has been struggling.

"I saw enough in the Hartlepool game to suggest that the lads are prepared to pull together and grind results out.

"We need to start picking up points and I don't think it matters how we go about it. The game against Hartlepool may not have been the prettiest to watch, but we got a clean sheet and a point and now we have something to build on. If we have to do things the ugly way to get us up the table, then so be it."

Dave Penney has been busy in the transfer market as Monday saw the arrival of a central defender in the shape of Cian Bolger, again on loan. A Leicester City academy graduate the Irishman only took up a place on the bench against Hartlepool but will hope to break into the first team reckoning during the month he is with the club.

There is still work to be done, however, and Penney is keeping an eye out for potential signings, especially in terms of his frontline, a targetman remaining a priority, although there are rumours coming out of Hillsborough that Paul Heffernan, whom Rovers took on loan from Doncaster towards the end of last season, could be in line for a return to the Memorial Stadium where he would play under a manager in Dave Penney who signed him for Doncaster in the summer of 2005. Any release of Hefferan from Wednesday, however, will depend on whether the club can follow through with their interest in Notts County hitman Lee Hughes. Penney is also thought to be in the market for a midfielder.

One player who could be on his way out of the club is Dominic Blizzard who has been placed on the transfer list after failing to make a big impact at the club since he joined at the start of last season. The Wycombe born midfielder will be available on either a loan or a permanent move away from the club.

It's not just on the pitch that there have been arrivals, though, as Friday saw the announcement of Martin Foyle joining the club as first team coach. Foyle was at one point linked with the managerial vacancy with the Gas before the appointment of Dave Penney but will still be able to bring his wealth of experience to the staff at the club. Foyle and Penney have previous with each other, having played together at Oxford United in the late 1980's.

Swindon have been in the transfer market news recently as well. The Wiltshire side have sold one of their star defenders in Sean Morrison to Reading in the week for a £250,000 fee. A youthful member has also been added to the squad with the capture of Aden Flint from Alfreton Town, though the youngster may end up back on loan at the Conference North club if he finds himself unable to break into the matchday squad at the County Ground. A talent search run by sponsors Samsung also saw Swindon sign the winner, Jordan Pavett, on a twelve month-deal.

But the big news surrounds Charlie Austin and the potential transfer saga that could surround him. On Tuesday BBC Wiltshire reported that the forward had put in a transfer request at the club who gave him his break in the professional game, having signed him from Poole Town in October 2009. Austin has scored 17 goals thus far this season, having netted 20 times in his first season with the Robins and it is thought that enquiries from a number of Championship clubs have been met with a 'not for sale' message. Town manager Danny Wilson has come out and commented on the situation, claiming that Austin's actions are down to his 'immaturity in footballing terms'.



Abhorrent is the best way to describe Rovers recent form, the side having failed to win in their last 12 league games, that victory coming against Rochdale in October, while 28 goals have been conceded, a record of more than two per-game, and included conceding three on three separate occasions as well as four at Carlisle last weekend and six at Sheffield Wednesday in December. The two incoming defenders, the experienced McCracken especially, should help to stem that flow and a clean sheet has already been kept in Rovers last game, though it is always risky to make assumptions based on one game.

Having come so close to promotion last season Swindon will be massively disappointed with their showing this season. Town currently occupy 19th place having won only two away games this season. They have already lost one west country derby this month, losing to Yeovil in last time out and seeing Michael Rose receive a red card in the process. The Robins last six away games have seen three losses, two draws and a win for a struggling side who have won just two of their last eight league matches. A humiliating 3-2 extra time loss in the second round of the FA Cup to Crawley Town has seen the pressure mount on ex-Bristol City manager Danny Wilson, who is sure to come in receipt of a hot reception when 3 O'clock comes.

League Form
Bristol Rovers - LLLDLD - Home Form - WDLLDD
Swindon Town - WDLWLL - Away Form - LDDLWL

This is the fifth consecutive season that Rovers and Swindon have played in the same division and during that time it is Saturday's visitors who hold the advantage, having won five of the nine games played, including a 2-1 victory in the Sky televised game earlier this season, last season was much different, though. With Rovers sat behind Swindon by only goal difference in 7th place what looked like a tough encounter turned out to be a stroll in the park as the Gas came out winners by a 3-0 margin to move up a place, but since that game Rovers had slipped to ten points adrift of the play-offs while Swindon had gone unbeaten for two and a half months and no-one could have foreseen the match that was about to take place.

Swindon hit the post from a free kick early on and the travelling blue army could have started to worry until Jo Kuffour broke through and curled the ball over Swindon 'keeper Lucas. Paul Heffernan doubled that lead before an exquisite free kick on the stroke of half time from Chris Lines sent Rovers in 3-0 up at the break. A further goal from Jeff Hughes sent the away fans home in raptures singing 'seven nil on aggregate'. On a side note Jeff Hughes has scored in each of his last three appearances against Swindon, so could history repeat itself and see the Northern Ireland international score again?

Rovers will be without Danny Coles for the game as he serves the second of his four match suspension for picking up his second red card of the season at Carlisle last weekend. Jeff Hughes has recovered sufficiently to at least take a place on the bench against Swindon.

Michael Rose will be suspended for Swindon following his red card against Yeovil last Saturday and he will likely be replaced by Alan Sheehan who is just returning from a thigh injury. Andy Frampton will be available for selection having missed Town's last match with a groin strain. Goalkeeper David Lucas will be out with a knee injury. Despite the recent transfer furore surrounding him Charlie Austin will start up front for the Reds.

New signing Aden Flint is unlikely to be included in the squad while Samsung talent search winner Jordan Pavett will not be revealed to supporters until Swindon's home game against Exeter on January 29th.



Dave Penney is looking forward to the atmosphere at the Mem for the local derby and hopes his team can start looking up the table very soon, he told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"It is a local derby, it should be a cup tie atmosphere, and I am looking forward to it. We need three points, we need to start picking threes up.

"It was nice to get a clean sheet and a point on Tuesday, but we would have liked three and we need three on Saturday to close the two point gap.

"We can then push on and start climbing the table. I am not interested in dragging teams into a relegation fight, I just want to drag us out.

"We have got to play with our heads as well as our hearts in these games, but supporters want a fully committed performance in any game, but even more so in a derby game."

Swindon Town manager Danny Wilson knows the importance of the game in terms of both sides league positions, as well as the fact that it is a local derby, he told swindontownfc.co.uk:

"It's a massive game for both sides. Neither team wants to be looking over their shoulders, and with a win we can pull ourself away from the danger zone.

"With it being a derby it adds that little bit of extra spice, and motivation-wise these games take care of themselves so I'm expecting us to perform well."