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."