2010 – Bristol Rovers, 0-2

Rovers finished a satisfying tour of Scotland with a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle, though the goals didn’t come until late on and we were made to work very hard for the win. Thistle provided much tougher opposition than Morton had on Saturday, though with few scares as the home side proved somewhat punchless in the final third of the field. Firhill is a nice looking ground, though with only one stand open the atmosphere was a little flat even by pre-season standards. The main stand is apparently only used for the very biggest games and there is a large grass bank behind one end which used to be terracing and awaits redevelopment. Both sets of fans were housed in the big single deck stand on one side, the roughly 60 Gasheads finding themselves in the far block next to the empty stand which usually houses away supporters. The whole feel was a little like Brisbane Road when it was mid transformation. The first half of a game watched by just under a thousand was very tight and even, perhaps with the Jags shading it at half time. Both teams’ midfields worked hard to deny space to their opponents, producing a first 45 minutes with few chances and those there were fell largely to Thistle, Luke Daniels competently snuffing out any threat on his debut in goal for the Gas. Daniels had only arrived in Scotland a couple of days earlier but by the end of the game had clearly settled in well, commanding his box confidently and communicating well with the defence – Byron Anthony starting in place of the injured James Tunnicliffe and looking very assured. Jo Kuffour popped up all over the park, turning up on both flanks and even tracking back well when Thistle threatened, and it will be interesting to see what role he plays when the season begins as it certainly looks like he’s being given something of a freer role.
Kuffour was replaced by Daryl Duffy at half time while Wayne Brown came on for Chris Lines and the second half started with the Jags on top but as time went by it was Rovers who looked the fitter and stronger of the two teams. Will Hoskins, who I am prepared to admit played somewhat better than I implied against Morton, linked up well with Jeff Hughes to very nearly open the scoring when he was denied by some good work from Bryn Halliwell in the home goal and there were one or two other chances as the game opened up in Rovers’ favour, Duffy looking lively and keen as well. The Gas went 1-0 up on 71 minutes when Wayne Brown drove home from 22 yards, a fine finish and such a relief to see a Rovers player prepared to shoot from distance! As the early evening sunshine turned into torrential rain, the game played out with Rovers looking unlikely to concede and in the dying seconds Elliot Richards made it 2-0 with a shot that apparently took a deflection, though I didn’t see it.
The final score perhaps looked a little more comfortable than it should have been, Thistle being a well organised side who could have scored themselves had they had a little more up front. Rovers didn’t panic, made their fitness tell and looked to play a more attacking brand of football than was the case for much of last season. The new signings all seem to have settled in well, some of last season’s more disappointing players – Duffy and Regan in particular – look to be refreshed and keen and the defence has been solid and well organised. A great trip all in all, meeting some very friendly fans at both Morton and Thistle and enjoying the attractions of a fine city. More of this sort of thing please Rovers.