Bristol Rovers v. Plymouth Argyle Boxing Day 2011

Paul Buckle only had 2 games left to prove that he should carry on as manager at Bristol Rovers but was unable to get a win at the Memorial Stadium on monday after Rover 3-2 defeat against Plymouth.

The game started off well from Rovers with an Andy Dorman header which came of Lee Brown's cross into the box which was saved by Argyle keeper Jake Cole.  Rovers First goal came when Matt Harrold was fouled in the box to be given a penalty which he struck perfectly into the bottom right hand corner.  The second goal came only 2 minutes later on the 32nd minute when Joe Anyisah crossed the ball into the box for Harrold to fire into the top corner.

Plymouth's first goal came in the 52nd minute when a corner taken by Nick Chadwick is delivered towards Wayne Feeney who strikes for goal.  Rovers had no other chances in the second half and on the 79th minute Nick Chadwick scores from a headed clearance by Byron Anthony and takes the shot which takes a small deflection from Scott Bevan as it goes in.  Plymouth's winner came on the 90th minute when Bevan takes a poor goal kick to see Ashley Hemmings fire home goal number 3.

Tickets for the Aston Villa game went on general sale today-wednesday 28th december.

Gillingham v. Bristol Rovers Saturday 17th December 2011

Rovers struggled in there game against Gillingham on saturday which saw them lose 4-1.  Rovers are currently 18th in the league.
The first of the 4 goals was delievered by Montrose on the 8th minute.  Gillingham had another chance which went wide after Danny Kendall's cross.  Gillingham's second goal came from a penalty after Joe Anyisah's tackle in the box.  In the second half Mustpha caryol went on a brilliant run a struck the ball into the back of the net in hopes of turning the game around.  Shortly after Gillingham almost knocked in a third but the ball came off of the post. 
Gillingham's third came from Jackman who struck at the bottom left corner, there 4th and final goal came from another penalty that was scored by Kedwell.

Final Score: Gillingham 4-1 Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers v. Swindon Town Saturday 10th December 2011

After Rovers 1-6 win at AFC Totton on sunday they were hoping to improve on that by getting a win against swindon on saturday as they desperatley needed all 3 points.
Rovers started off brilliantly with Matt Harrold Going one on one with the keeper but was unable to get a good shot a way as he got the ball into his hands.  Rovers were unable to get very many shots after that although created some good chances throughout the first half.  The first goal came form Swindons Paul Caddis in the 38th minute who ran straight through the Rovers midfield and into there defence before slotting a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Scott Bevan from the edge of the box.  It looked like Paulo Di Canios team were heading for victory.  But late into the second half on the 88th minute Woodards headed home a brilliant goal which came off of Craig Stanley's freekick to equalise.  It was his second goal in successive weeks for Rovers.
Final Score: Bristol Rovers 1-1 Swindon town

AFC Totton v. Bristol Rovers F.A Cup 2nd Round

First Half
Rovers have had a poor league run so far this season so an F.A cup run may be able to strengthen the squad.  Rovers got off to a good start with some great passing and some good balls into the box.  There first 3 goals came within 5 minutes of play.  The first goal came from Joe Anyisah, on the 8th minute, who struck the ball brilliantly to the top right corner.  The second goal came 2 minutes later by Mustaha Carayol with an oustanding run and an excellent finish.  The 3rd goal came at 13th minutes with a spectular left-footed 35 yard shot form danny woodards that went straight for the bottom corner.  There were a few feisty moments in this first half which saw totton's assistant manager Sean New try to trip Carayol which ended up with getting him a yellow card, he was then later subbed off for Eliot Richards.

Second Half
Tottons best effort came later in the second half when Scott Bevan produced an excellent double save only to see substitute Natheniel Sherbournes shot go in.  Rovers fourth came from Byron Anthony's header from Eliot Richards corner.  Rovers 5th goal came from Eliot Richards 12 yard shot that went straight to the top corner.  Rovers final goal came after Matt Harrold's cross to Eliot Richards who slotted home goal number six.  During the second half substitute Ben Swallow's rash tackle saw him get sent off.  
Rovers F.A Cup 3rd round clash at home against Aston Villa will be broadcasted live on ESPN from 5:30pm on saturday 7th janurary 2012.

Final Score :  AFC Totton 1-6 Bristol Rovers

Southend United v. Bristol Rovers Saturday 26th November 2011

After Rovers defeat at home to Barnet they desperately needed to get something out of this game and they had to play top of the table side Southend.  Unsurprisingly Southend opened the scoring on the 66th minute with Harris scoring after some poor defending from Rovers although there were some shouts for offside.  Rovers came back when Harrold scored from a great header on the 77th minute after coming off the bench and had only been on the pitch 5 minutes. Rovers are currently 18th in the league with only 22 points and will need to work harder and win more games if they are going to move up the table.

Bristol Rovers

• 01 Bevan
• 03 Sawyer
• 04 Woodards
• 14 Brown
• 15 Anthony
• 06 Stanley
• 08 Gill
• 34 Dorman
• 11 Carayol (Richard 61)
• 16 Anyinsah
• 26 Zebroski (Harrold 72)

Substitutes

• 02 Smith,
• 05 Bolger,
• 23 Swallow,
• 09 Harrold,
• 18 Richard

Bristol Rovers v. Barnet Saturday 19th november 2011

Rovers have had a poor start to the season with only 6 league wins out of 20 drawing 3 and losing 9.  This week rovers faced Barnet who are currently 21st in the league.  Much of the possesion was controled by rovers and it was hard to believe the gas finished with no points.  The goal came from barnet after 19 minutes with a header from Mark Hughes.  Rovers had some good chances hitting the bar twice and an excellent 35 yard shot from Eliot Richards that was saved by barnet goalkeeper Dean Brill.

Barnets second goal didnt come until the 98th minute in stoppage time when Barnets Alassane N'iaye crossed it into the box which should have been cleared easily, but Lee Browns mistake sent it straight to Byrne who smashed it into the bottom corner of the net.  Once again fans chanted for Paul Buckles departure after Rovers slip into 17th place in league 2.

Bristol Rovers v Corby Town F.A Cup 1st Round

Bristol Rovers Faced non league side Corby Town in the F.A cup 1st round.  In recent years Rovers have struggled to get through the 1st or second round.  Although in 2008 they reached the quarter finals against West Brom when they lost 5-1.
Scott Mcleish scored a penalty in the first half makng it 1-0 to Rovers.  In the second half Corby equalised to make it 1-1.  But rovers came back after a spectacular strike form Mustapha Carayol and a late header from Chis Zebroski to make it 3-1.
Rovers will now travel to Southern league premier division side AFC Totton in the 2nd round.

Bristol Rovers vs Sheffied United Watney Cup Newspaper Clipping

This is a newspaper clippng from 1972 when Bristol Rovers won the watney cup the game ended 0-0 with Rovers winning 7-6 on penalties.  Rovers keeper Dick Sheppard was the hero of the day after his save from a Ted Hemsley spot kick that won the match.

Bristol Rovers v. Preston North End official matchday programme signed by Peter Aitken tuesday 11th march 1980

This Programme is  from Bristol Rovers v. Preston North End and is signed by Peter Aiken.  The score ended 3-3 and the scorers for Bristol Rovers were David Williams, Stewart barrowclough and Tony Pulis.

Newport County vs Bristol Rovers official matchday programme Tuesday 16th march 1982

This is the official matchday programme from Bristol Rovers vs. Newport County in 1982.  The game ended 1-1 and the scorer for newport was Tommy Tynan.  If anyone knows who scored for Bristol Rovers please leave a comment.

Nottingham Forest VS Bristol Rovers official matchday programme, saturday 8th janurary 1977

This programme is signed by Peter Aitken who played in this match.  It is from the 3rd round F.A cup  on 8th janurary 1977 when overs faced Nottinham Forest the final score was 1-1.  I cannot find out who scored if anyone knows please leave a comment.

Me with Irene the gas Gorilla

If anyone would like to feature on my website posing with Irene feel free to email me your photos on tommyparsons5@hotmail.co.uk

Bristol Rovers fun day

The Bristol Rovers fun day is held every year.  This year it was held on Sunday 31st of July, the rovers fun day gives the fans a chance to meet the players, the manager and go behind the scenes at the stadium.  You get a chance to go into the changing rooms and go up to the directors box.

Players of the past - Peter Aitken Interview

Q1. When did you realise that you wanted to be a proffesional football player?

A. Well I've always loved playing and I started to play for local teams when I was about 8 years old.

Q2. Who inspired you to start playing football?

A. My uncle inspired me to start playing football.

Q3. Who was your first professional team?

A. Bristol Rovers were my first professional team.

Q4. Who was your first manager?

A. Bill Dodgin was my first manager.

Q5. Who were the best players you've ever played with?

A. I've played with lots of very talented players they include Harold Jarman, Wayne Jones, Kenny Stevens, Andrew Evans and Paul Randle.

Q6.Who was the best player you've played against?

A. George Best

Q7.What are the best teams you've played for?

A. The best teams I've played for are Bristol Rovers, Longwell Green Abbottonians and Metavon.

Q8. What was the best goal you've ever scored?

A. The best goal I've ever scored was at Cambridge United

Q9. What years did you play for Rovers?

A. 1969-1982

Q10. How many appearances did you make for Rovers?

A. 280-90

Q11. Can you tell me a bit about the Ashton Gate 8?

A. The Ashton Gate 8 were 8 Bristol City players who agreed to terminate there contracts in order to save the club.

Peter Aitken left Rovers in 1980 to join Bristol City.  He then went on to join York City, Bath City until 1985.  He left to join Trowbridge Town.  He also played for Forest Green Rovers.  Aitken returned to Bristol  Rovers as community manager in 2000 as post he still holds.

Johnstones paint trophy final badge 01/04/07

This badge was from the Johnstone's paint trophy final in 2007 when Rovers played Doncaster and lost 3-2.  Doncaster started  with Jonathan Forte scoring within 43 seconds.  Paul Heffernan volleyed in another goal for them.  The first half ended with no goals from Rovers. After the break Rovers came back with a Richard Walker penalty after Sammy Igoe was fouled in the box.  Later on Igoe then scored from a half volley.  After the final whistle the game went to extra time, with Doncaster finishing off the game with a goal from Graeme Lee who scored in the 110th minute.

Wigan Athletic vs Bristol Rovers ticket 1982/83 season

This ticket is from the Wigan Athletic vs Bristol Rovers match in 1982/83 season.  I do believe we won this game 5-0 but have no idea who scored the goals if anyone can help me find out who scored would you please leave a comment.

Bristol Rovers VS Southend United - November 15th, 1952

This is the official bristol rovers vs southend united programme from 1952 when rovers won 2-1.  The goal scorers for rovers were Vic Lambden and Geoff Bradford.
Personal information Full name Victor David Lambden Date of birth 25 October 1925 Place of birth Bristol, England Date of death 4 July 1996 (aged 70) Place of death Bristol, England Playing position Forward Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1945–1955 Bristol Rovers 268 (117) 1955–1961 Trowbridge Town * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

FA Cup Special: Manchester city vs Stoke city

Manchester City Faced Stoke City in the FA cup final this weekend
Man city looked strong as they started off well with some good passing and great shots form Silva and a great long range shot from Mario Balloteli which was saved by Tomas Sorrinsen.  Man City dominated most of the first half, they produced some great crosses and most shots on target.  Robert Huth committed a two footed tackle on Micah Richards at the end of the first half to see him get a yellow card.

In the second half Stoke looked stronger with some good balls in from pennant a great chance for stoke which they didn't take.  Man City had a brilliant chance with a counter attack from a great tevez run with a shot on the end which was defended by stoke giving Man city a corner.  The corner came to nothing and stoke city were on the counter attack with Kenwin Jones one on one with Joe Hart with a great save.  Man city were on the attack again and stoke were struggling to defend with man city shots blocked 1 minute later Yaya Toure came in with shot and scored on the 74th minute to make it 1-0.  3 minutes later Silva tries to make it 2 with a brilliant shot which was saved by Tomas Sorrinsen.  It looked like stoke were only going to get one more chance.  They had a corner which was played by Pennant and a header blocked that looked like the last chance for stoke as the referee blew the final whistle.

Mario Balloteli was man of the match.  In my opinion Stoke City's man of the match was Jermaine Pennant.  Yaya Toure says it is a "dream come true" to win the trophy and says the squad are now focused on next year's Champions League campaign.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says his priority at the start of the season was to secure a Champions League place and adds that his side's FA Cup win was "for the fans".
    

Bristol Rovers v Torquay United 17th December 2005

 This programme was given to me on my eighth birthday and is signed by Junior Agogo who was my favourite player whilst he was playing for rovers.

We lost this game 1-0 with Sako scoring a late goal for Torquay on the 87th minute. The attendance for the match was 6,061

Bristol rovers v West Brom F.A cup quarter final scarf

In case you haven't guessed this is me Tommy the gashead with my scarf from Bristol rovers v west brom on the 10th of march 2008 when rovers lost 5-1.
West brom scored first with James Morrison's goal which put them ahead.  Then Ishmael Miller made it 2-0.
Rovers came back when Danny Cole's scored from Stuart Campbell's corner and a flick on from Craig Disley Which made the score 2-1.  But Craig hinton's error let miller make it 3-1. Kevin Phillips scored to make it 4.  Then to finish it off miller scored again to complete his hatrick the final score being 1-5 to rovers.

Commemorative Bristol Rovers Blue Glass Paper Weight - Bristol Rovers v Southampton

This is my commemorative Bristol blue glass paperweight from rovers 5th round fa cup tie against Southampton on 16th February 2008.
Rovers won this game 1-0 thanks to a goal scored by Rickie Lambert who ironically now plays for Southampton.

Bristol Rovers v Southend - 28th December 1992

I recently bought this programme for the Bristol Rovers v Southend match, played at Twerton Park on  Monday 28th December 1992.

Rovers lost the match 2-0 and I think that the goal scorer for Southend was Stan Collymore - If you know for sure or if you saw the match, I'd really like to hear from you, so please leave a comment below with any information.

Rovers v Charlton Athletic - 16th Nov 1957 - Goal Scorer Revealed!

Since my last post, I discovered that the goal scorer from the Rovers vs. Charlton match was inside forward, Alfie Biggs (pictured).

Biggs had two spells playing for the Gas, leaving in '61 to join Preston, and returning in October '62. He played 424 league games for Rovers and score 178 goals!


If you want to find out a bit more about Alfie and his career with Bristol Rovers, there is quite a lot of information on the official Bristol Rovers Website.

Official Programme Rovers v Charlton Athletic - 16th Nov 1957

I believe we won this match 1-0. If anyone can tell me any more about the game (especially who scored), I'd love to hear  from you, so please leave a comment.