Match Preview - Crawley Town v Rovers

8 August 2022

Attention turns to the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening as Rovers prepare to take on Crawley Town at The Peoples Pension Stadium.

Rovers begin our 2022/23 League Cup campaign following our 4-0 victory over Burton Albion last Saturday in a game where Rovers scored four first-half goals to seal our first victory of the League One season.

Manager's Preview

Joey Barton spoke to club media following our victory over Burton Albion on Saturday. When asked if a break from league action will yield a host of changes to his starting XI for tomorrow's Carabao Cup clash against Crawley Town, the Rovers manager said he wished that was possible,

'I haven't got lots of changes to make! I wish I had them to make. You've seen that Whelo has come out of the coaching room and put a shift in, Sam Finley is probably a week away from where we want him to be but credit to Sam as he felt he had 60 minutes in him. We didn't know how the game was going to pan out, obviously, the way it went made it an easier 60 minutes for him.

'We're light for bodies. Couttsy, after the game on Tuesday, should be available for selection. I'm hoping to get Jordan Rossiter back soon as well as some reinforcements.'

Last Time Out

Ref Watch

David Rock has been appointed for tomorrow's fixture in Sussex. Referee Rock last officiated a Rovers game in March this year in our 1-0 victory over Barrow at The Mem. In that tie, Rock sent off Barrow defender Niall Canavan. This season, Rock has officiated one game in across all competitions in Portsmouth's 0-0 draw against Lincoln City in the Sky Bet League One.

How to Follow

Supporters based in the UK can purchase an audio match pass for £2.50. To find out more about iFollow, please click HERE.

Match Reports

Match Report - Crawley 1-0 Rovers

9 August 2022

Defeat in the first-round of the Carabao Cup for Rovers.

Rovers bowed out of the Carabao Cup after defeat against Crawley Town at Broadfield Stadium. Former Rovers player Tom Nichols getting the only goal in the game.

Joey Barton made one change to his starting XI for our First-Round Carabao Cup clash against League Two outfit Crawley Town. Alfie Kilgour replacing James Gibbons. The Rovers team also featured three academy players on the substitute's bench.

JMP_crawleytown_v_bristolrovers_JG_008 (1).jpg

The hosts were the first side to threaten the scoreline. Belshaw passing the ball straight to Crawley captain Tom Nichols who looked to capitalise on the Rovers No.1's mistake, but Belshaw made amends immediately and spread himself wide to deny Nichols from about 12-yards out.

In a first half that yielded little goal-mouth action, Crawley were the ones who posed the greater threat in the game. A volleyed effort from George Francomb fizzed past Belshaw's far post brought about the end to the first-half goal chances.

The Gas began the second half with a much quicker tempo. Aaron Collins got in behind the Crawley back line and pulled the trigger but was already falling as he hit it and Crawley goalkeeper Corey Addai was able to bat the ball behind for a corner.

A second presentable opportunity fell to the Rovers No.10 only minutes later. After a well-worked move, the ball was shifted to Luca Hoole on the far side of the pitch who hit the ball across the Crawley penalty area to the feet of Collins who was unable to hit the target with his effort.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute. Former Rovers player Tom Nichols was put through one-on-one with Belshaw who did well to save the Crawley captain's first shot but was unfortunate to see the ball rebound out to Nichols who rolled the ball into an empty net to put the hosts in the lead.

Crawley came within inches of doubling their lead. Aramide Oteh looked to place his effort into the far corner but got his angles ever so slightly wrong and saw his shot clip the foot of the far post and roll away from the danger in what was the last meaningful action of the tie.

Next up for the Gas is a return to League One action at The Mem this weekend against Oxford United (12:30pm KO).

Crawley Town: Corey Addai, Dion Conroy, George Francomb, Tony Craig, Jack Powell, Tom Nichols ©, Ashley Nadesan, Ludwig Francillette, Kwesi Appiah, Jake Hessenthaler, Mazeed Ogungbo.

Subs: Roshan Greensall, Harry Ransom, James Balagizi, Travis Johnson, Aramide Oteh, Raf Khaleel, Teddy Jenks, Owen Gallacher.

Rovers: James Belshaw, Alfie Kilgour, Luca Hoole, James Connolly, Lewis Gordon, Sam Finley ©, Antony Evans, Aaron Collins, John Marquis, Ryan Loft, Harry Anderson.

Subs: Jed Ward, Harvey Saunders, Glenn Whelan, Ryan Jones, Harvey Greenslade, Jerry Lawrence, Malik Sesay, Charlie White, Lene Burden.

Referee: David Rock

Attendance: 1,860 (241 away)

Ticket News

Carabao Cup Ticket Info - Crawley Town

24 July 2022

Ticket information ahead of our First-Round Carabao Cup encounter with Crawley Town.

Rovers will head to 'The Peoples Pension Stadium' on Tuesday, 9th August (7:45pm KO). The initial allocation for this fixture is 646.

The club would like to remind fans that tickets ARE NOT available to purchase from the club shop on matchdays.

Online ticket sales will open to 2022/2023 Season Ticket holders, sponsors and Share Scheme members from 10am on Monday, 25th July. Please be aware, Season Ticket holders, sponsors and Share Scheme members are only permitted to purchase one ticket per membership.

Members (Club and Gold members, Helpline and Supporters Club members) will be able to purchase tickets online and in-store from 10am on Wednesday, 27th July. Please note, members are only able to purchase one ticket per membership.

Subject to availability, general sale tickets will then be available online and in-store from 10am on Friday, 29th July.

To purchase tickets for this game, please click HERE.

Ticket prices can be found below: