Rovers welcome Newport County to the Memorial Stadium

After a disappointing start to the season, Rovers fans will be desperate to see their side earn a hardworking win against managerless Newport County.

 

The two sides haven't faced each other competitively since the 2015/16 season where both sides managed a win each by identical scorelines. The first game, played at the Memorial Stadium in October 2015, saw County defeat The Pirates four goals to one. Rovers fell behind early due to a Tom Parkes own goal and Billy Bodin's 25 yard finish soon pulled the home side level. The second half was a different story as Newport ran riot thanks to a brace from Zak Ansah and a long range effort from Tommy O'Sullivan making it 1-4. The Gas returned the favour in the return game at Rodney Parade by exactly the same scoreline. Alex Rodman put the home side up after 2 minutes and Ollie Clarke soon equalised with a great effort and it was uphill from there for the home side. Christian Montaño, Matty Taylor and Ellis Harrison all scored for Darrell Clarke's team as they moved into the automatic promotion spots.

 

Joey Barton could do with taking a look at that Rovers side as he finds himself struggling early on in their first season back in League Two, the Gas manager will be looking to make that right in this fixture versus Newport. 

 


 

About Bristol Rovers

 

Nicknamed The Pirates and The Gas, Bristol Rovers Football Club were established in 1883 and currently play in the EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football.

 

The club plays its home matches at the 12,300 capacity Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of Bristol. Having been bought by billionaire Jordanian Waed al-Qadi and his family in 2016, Rovers have struggled to live up to expectations and will be looking to prove doubters wrong in the 2021/22 season.

 

Bristol Rovers have played in the English football league since 1920, with their best-ever finish being in both 1956 and 1959 when they secured sixth place in the second tier of English football, then known as Division Two.

 

Having suffered relegation to League Two in 2011 and then into the Conference in 2014, they managed to bounce straight back with two consecutive promotions in 2014/15 and 2015/16 to regain their League One status in 2016/17, where they remained for 4 years before their relegation back to League Two last season.

 

The club's honours include the 1990 Football League Third Division title when they finished 2 points ahead of arch-rivals and that seasons Runners-Up, Bristol City. Find Bristol Rovers' full 2020/21 fixture list here.