Gas Gossip: Much to celebrate on and off the pitch (From Gazette Series)

Bristol Rovers fans' panel: Reaction to latest stadium news and games against Port Vale and Chesterfield

6:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Yate and Sodbury Sport By Jeff Bolitho

ROVERS fans had double reason to celebrate on Tuesday as our stadium plans cleared another major hurdle and we secured a comfortable victory over high-flying Port Vale.

The relief among fans was tangible as it was announced that Secretary of State Eric Pickles had approved Sainsbury’s application to build a store on the site of the Memorial Stadium, paving the way for our £40million stadium to be built at Stoke Gifford.

It means we are another crucial step closer to playing in a brand new 21,700 all seater facility, which is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club.

The feel-good factor had clearly transferred to the players on Tuesday night as they started in bright fashion against Vale.

The game was won by half-time as Ryan Brunt showed his immense value to the side with two well-taken goals from set pieces.

The Valiants arrived without a win in four games and looked an average side short on confidence.

Rovers looked sharper and hungrier for the win and thoroughly deserved the victory, which moved us back up to 15th place after the setback of losing 2-0 at Chesterfield on Saturday.

The Gas were not as proactive as usual at the Proact Stadium and it appeared as though the exertions of recent games had taken their toll.

The outcome could have been different if Eliot Richards’ 25-yard thunderbolt had gone in early on in the game instead of hitting the post.

It was not to be, however, and John Ward had no complaints after witnessing an unusually lethargic performance.

Little could be done about their first goal, as it was an excellent strike, but Tom Parkes summed up the below-par display by allowing a Spireites player to ghost past him to notch their second, which proved decisive.

Rovers showed their mettle by bouncing back in fine style on Tuesday and have now amassed 48 points, leaving us one win away from guaranteed safety.

Breaking the 50 point barrier with victory over Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday would complete an excellent week for the Pirates on and off the pitch as we look forward to an exciting future.

Do you agree with Jeff’s views? Have your say below.