Bristol Rovers

Prior to our last home game, against Forest Green Rovers, I was delighted to be able to present Lee Brown with his England 'C' cap for his appearance against Turkey just a few days earlier.

Also before that game it was good to see so many of you showing your support for our stance against racist abuse. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for participating, and also for the way in which you respected the one minutes applause in memory of our  former director Graham Hole.

As for the match, it was disappointing to lose especially as we created so many second half chances. Our visitors took all three points courtesy of a first half goal and so inflicted our first home defeat of the season and ended our nine game unbeaten run.

However we hit back in fine style last Saturday when we put in a very professional performance against Dorchester Town in the FA Cup. Not only were we professional, we were also clinical in front of goal and I would like to congratulate Ellis Harrison on his hat trick.

It was good to see Dominic Thomas make his first team debut as well. His appearance, and that of 15 year old Lewis Ellington in the GFA cup tie against Gloucester City a few days earlier, is testament to the hard work being put in by our Academy staff.

The FA Cup draw wasn't too kind to us, handing us an away tie against Tranmere Rovers. However I believe the game gives us a realistic opportunity of progressing through to the next round, and it will also give us a chance to see how this team compares to League Two opposition.
 
On Saturday we travel to play AFC Telford United in what is the second of four consecutive away games and I am looking forward to meeting former Rovers and Telford defender Dave Pritchard again. 'Pritch' has not been in the best of health to date, suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis, but I gather he is now well on the way to recovery.

Super middleweight boxer Richie Woodhall will also be in attendance, as a guest of one of my fellow directors and although he's a West Brom supporter, perhaps we can persuade him to switch his allegiances!

In my last report, I touched on the fantastic support we were receiving, both home and away, and it has been heartening to see that continue in our last two games.

The attendance for the Forest Green game was over 7,000 and at Dorchester last Saturday there were over 1,100 of our supporters present to see us make progress in the FA Cup.

Everyone, directors, management, players and staff appreciate the backing you are all giving the team and we would all like to thank you for your amazing support to date.