Match Preview: Bristol Rovers

19 November 2021

After back-to-back home games, Rovers are back on the road as they face Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

After a frustrating defeat last time out against Sutton United, Micky Mellon’s side will look to stop Bristol Rovers making it three consecutive wins on Saturday afternoon.

Just one point and two places separate the two sides heading into the clash at the weekend, with Tranmere sitting four points off the play-off places.

The hosts will be full of confidence after their midweek F.A Cup win over Oxford United which they won 4-3 after an action-packed extra-time period saw Joey Barton’s side come out victorious in a thrilling cup tie.

Team News:

Lee O'Connor returns from international duty however Jay Spearing will be sitting this one out through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Sutton.

Josh Hawkes returned from injury last time out after coming on a sub and will be looking to step up his involvement this weekend.

One to Watch:

Anthony Evans

Having come through the academy at Everton, Evans has had several seasons of experience on loan at various clubs before signing for Bristol Rovers.

The 23 year old’s loan spells include seasons at Morecambe and Blackpool respectively as well as a permanent move to 2. Bundesliga side SC Paderborn 07.

Since signing for Bristol Rovers on deadline day of this season, he currently has five assists in ten games this season and has been a creative spark in the Gas’ side.

Having represented England at youth level, the midfielder is second in the leading assists chart in Sky Bet League Two and will be hoping to add to that tally on Saturday afternoon.

Manager:

Joey Barton:

The Englishman played a large number of the games in the top divisions of English football, making 269 appearances in the Premier League whilst also playing in France and Scotland with Marseille and Rangers respectively.

The former Premier League midfielder has spent the last 9 months in charge at the Memorial Stadium, brought in with the task of keeping the club in Sky Bet League One last term, something which couldn’t be managed as they finished bottom of the table.

He previously spent 3 years at Fleetwood Town in which ended in January 2021 with his contract ending with immediate effect.

Match Coverage:

Live full match commentary will be provided by TRFC Radio via iFollow this weekend. Audio passes are available to purchase by clicking here.

You can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.

Twitter: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers

Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will follow on our website and YouTube channel.

Match Previews

Match Reports

Bristol Rovers 2-2 Tranmere Rovers

20 November 2021

Tranmere Rovers played out a 2-2 draw on the road on Saturday afternoon at the Memorial Stadium.

Micky Mellon made three changes to his starting line up after last weeks’ defeat to Sutton United. Josh Hawkes, Paul Glaztel and Lee O’Connor all came into the fold to start against The Gas.

It was the hosts who started the quicker of the two sides as they opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the game. A free kick into the Tranmere box was half cleared before Finlay clipped the ball towards the back post where Josh Grant was on hand to loop a header over Doohan in the Rovers goal.

On the 15th minute mark, Josh Hawkes produced the first moment of note for Tranmere. He controlled 25 yards out and looked to curl a left footed shot but it landed a few yards wide of left hand post.

Shortly after, the hosts had doubled their lead. Evans’ corner from the left went over the head of Doohan before being prodded towards and was eventually fired in by Nicholson from all of two yards.

Just three minutes later and Tranmere had a goal of their own. MacDonald brilliantly controlled and turned at the back post before expertly curling the ball into the far corner past Belshaw.

Just before the break, Tranmere nearly fashioned an equaliser. Morris played a neat one two with O’Connor before drilling a shot on target at the front post however Belshaw stood tall to palm it around the post.

In the opening exchanges of the second period, Anthony Evans showed his pace to burst into the Tranmere box but Clarke recovered in time to just about put him off as he sliced his shot wide.

At the other end, former Bristol City man Nicky Maynard had a volley blocked inside the box following Kieron Morris’ cushioned header.

On the 57th minute, Bristol Rovers nearly gifted an equaliser. Josh Grant played the ball straight to Josh Hawkes who was 30 yards out but his curling effort couldn’t find the target as Belshaw was scrambling back to his goal.

An ever threat all afternoon, Josh Hawkes beat two men by cutting inside but his low drive was well gathered by Belshaw.

Just past the hour mark and The Gas nearly extended their lead. Anderson’s cross from the right bobbled around the box before Spence’s fierce strike was well blocked by the head of Peter Clarke at the front post.

With 15 minutes remaining, Tranmere were level. Josh Hawkes’ corner from the right was met by the head of Paul Glatzel who powered home into the bottom left corner.

Tranmere went in hunt for the win with momentum in their favour. Morris threaded a ball through towards Maynard who was through on goal before Belshaw came out to clear. His clearance rebounded off the striker and just out of his reach.

In added time, the home side could have snatched it. Whelan’s cross to the back post went over the head of Clarke and onto the foot of Evans just yards out but the ball went up instead of forwards and Doohan claimed.

That proved to be the final action of the game with the spoils shared at the Memorial Stadium.

Tranmere team: Doohan, Dacres-Cogley, Knight-Percival, Clarke, Davies (Foley 73’), MacDonald, O’Connor, Morris, Hawkes, Glatzel, Nevitt (Maynard 45’)

Unused subs: Murphy, Duffy, Feeney, Watson, McManaman