Stevenage prepare for another battle under The Lamex lights as Bristol Rovers come to town…
Steve Evans men remain inside the play-off places with just 16 games remaining, as the hunt for back-to-back promotions continues. Tonight’s clash gives Boro the opportunity to move further away from the chasing pack, having played a game less than the clubs directly below them in the table.
Saturday was a frustrating afternoon for Stevenage as they travelled to Vale Park and harshly missed out on all three points. The side went a goal down after just six minutes, but second half goals from Jamie Reid and Terence Vancooten were seemingly the difference-makers. That was until a last-second controversial decision cost Boro, as Port Vale equalised from the penalty spot.
Boro will be looking to get back to winning ways this evening against Bristol Rovers, another club that Stevenage harshly dropped points to earlier in the campaign. Back in October, Jamie Reid’s strike appeared to be the game’s only goal before Chris Martin levelled the scoring late on.
The Opposition
Bristol Rovers have had a mixed bag of results this season, having won 11, drawn seven and lost 13 of their 31 league games so far. That record sees them sit 12th in League One and 13 points behind Boro who sit inside the play-offs.
It has been a tough week for the Gas on the pitch, as last Tuesday, they hosted relegation-threatened Fleetwood Town and were defeated 2-0. To make matters worse, Chris Martin received a red card in injury time.
Then, on Saturday, it was another home defeat to a side lower down the table, as Burton Albion claimed a 2-1 victory at the Memorial Stadium. Bristol Rovers were 2-0 down, and Antony Evans’ goal on the hour mark was not enough to spark a comeback.
The Gas will be looking to get back to winning ways this evening at The Lamex Stadium, so it will be no easy task for Steve Evans and his men. Additionally, top scorer, Chris Martin should be back available for selection after his one-game suspension following his double yellow card at home to Fleetwood.
The Manager
Matt Taylor has been in charge of Bristol Rovers since his appointment In December 2023, and has so far struggled for consistency. He has lost nine of his first 17 games as boss, having won six and drawn two. Taylor previously enjoyed tenures with Rotherham United and Exeter City, with whom he earned promotion from League Two.
Officials
Sunny Singh Gill has been appointed Match Referee for tonight’s game, with Marc Wilson and Gareth Viccars as his Assistants, and Andy Bennett as Fourth Official. Singh Gill has dished out 123 yellow cards and five reds in 32 games so far this campaign.
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