Gas Gossip: We are now made of tougher stuff (From Gazette Series)

Bristol Rovers fans' panel: Reaction to win over Wycombe and defeat against Rotherham

11:00am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport By Jeff Bolitho

ROVERS had to battle hard to secure another excellent win against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

After the injury time drama and stunning performances that have characterised our recent fine run of form, it was back to basics as the Gas were made to dig in to clinch victory against the Chairboys. Resilience, organisation and good old fashioned hard work were key to holding out for a 1-0 win at the Memorial Stadium despite a frantic finale.

Wycombe piled bodies forward in the hope of gaining an equaliser but Rovers’ defence was equal to the task, heroically blocking shots to maintain their lead. Seeing the pleasure among the players at shutting out the opposition, as they congratulated each other after repelling a last-minute onslaught, typifies the team spirit that John Ward has instilled. Rovers would have crumbled in the face of such pressure earlier this season but we are now made of tougher stuff.

The back five performed solidly all game, with Mildenhall again proving he is a safe pair of hands and Brown and Smith both catching the eye as full backs. The partnership between Parkes and McChrystal in central defence also looks stronger with every game, while O’Toole and Clucas impressed in central midfield.

Up front Brunt looks increasingly like one of the signings of the season as he led the line superbly and scored a great goal to win the game.

Unfortunately it appeared that the stupendous efforts of recent games had caught up with the team as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Rotherham on Tuesday night. Another bumper crowd of more than 8,600 left the Mem disappointed as we looked jaded and lacked sharpness and vitality against powerful opposition who looked determined to avenge their recent 3-0 loss at the hands of the Gas.

The limitations of the squad were also exposed as injuries forced Ward’s hand with substitutions, but we still have a comfortable six point cushion over the bottom two and remain in 18th place. Rovers now face two testing away games, at Morecambe on Saturday and Northampton next Tuesday, when we hope to start another unbeaten run and get back to winning ways.

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