Cheltenham Town v Bristol Rovers
Sky Bet League One, The Completely-Suzuki Stadium, Saturday 13 April 2024, 3pm KO
Bristol Rovers are set for a West Country Derby as Matt Taylor’s side make the short trip to play Cheltenham Town.
The Gas travel to The Completely-Suzuki Stadium on a difficult run of form and play a Robins side that are battling against the drop in Sky Bet League One.
Rovers sit 16th in the division, on 51 points, while Cheltenham are 22nd on 38 points - two points from safety in the league.
The reverse fixture, back in December, ended in a 1-1 draw at The Memorial Stadium.
Tickets…
Supporters are advised that away tickets have completely sold out for this fixture.
Travel…
One of Rovers’ nearest away days, fans who travel by car can expect to reach Whaddon Road in around an hour.
Take the M5 north and exit the motorway at Junction 11. Take the third exit and follow signs into Cheltenham along the A40 and onto the A46. From here, follow street directions to the ground, which will be on your right.
Supporters who drive should note that options to park at the Stadium are severely limited. However, Parklands Community Centre offers matchday parking for £8 and is a very short walk. Alternatively, Cheltenham Racecourse operates a park and ride to the ground.
Opposition…
Since promotion in 2021, Cheltenham have fought to prove themselves in League One.
The achievement of winning the title in League Two in the 2020/21 campaign cannot be overstated; a first Football League title in the Club’s history, and one that saw the Robins return to the third tier of English football.
Since then, the side has worked to establish themselves in the division, finishing 15th in their first campaign before a 16th-placed finish last season.
Now, the threat of returning to League Two is very real after 10 wins in 41 league outings. Cheltenham Town have five games to save themselves from the drop.
The Robins have still performed extraordinarily in recent seasons, and it is a journey the club’s fanbase are rightly proud of. It is down to manager Darrell Clarke - who, of course, previously took Rovers from the National League back to League One - to halt the potential drop and keep the good times rolling at Whaddon Road.
Previous Meetings…
History is on the Gas’ side in this fixture.
As previously mentioned, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at The Mem back in December. It was a match that Rovers dominated, but required a fightback to claim a point via Jack Hunt’s finish.
Prior to that game, Rovers have got the better of the Robins in the last four matches across all competitions.
The team’s most recent visit to The Completely-Suzuki Stadium was a fantastic away day for Gasheads, with the side picking up a 4-1 victory in October 2022. Aaron Collins scored twice, while Antony Evans and Bobby Thomas also got on the score-sheet.
Match Officials…
Referee: Paul Howard
Assistant Referees: Kevin Howick and Stuart Kane
Fourth Official: Paul Evans
