Bristol Rovers v Reading
Sky Bet League One, The Memorial Stadium, Tuesday 9 April 2024, 7.45pm KO
A third successive home match sees Bristol Rovers take on Reading at The Memorial Stadium.
Having played against Shrewsbury Town and Bolton Wanderers in the South West, Matt Taylor’s side now take on a Royals team that have endured struggles away from the pitch as well as on it.
The Gas sit in 15th in Sky Bet League One, while Reading are in 17th.
Read on for more information about this midweek contest…
Tickets…
Supporters should note that tickets are on restricted sale for Tuesday’s fixture. As such, tickets will only be available to buy for fans with an existing ticketing account and purchase history with the Club.
Tickets will be available on the day from the ticket office but the same restrictions for purchasing will be in place. As such, please do not attend Tuesday’s match if you don’t have an existing purchase history, as you will not be able to buy a ticket.
Opposition…
It has been a challenging time for Reading both on and off the pitch.
The Royals' ten-year spell in the Sky Bet Championship came to an end at the end of the 2022/23 season as a six point deduction, given for breaking profitability and sustainability rules, directly contributed to their relegation to League One.
Further points deductions were given in the summer and the start of the 2023/24 season, although appeals eventually saw Reading with another six point deduction. Issues around funding persist and, while a new owner is actively being sought, the very future of the club as fans know it has been a major source of concern.
All of this, off the pitch, has led to a difficult time for manager Ruben Selles and his squad on it. The Royals have struggled for consistency in the third tier, and sit on 45 points in the table.
‘Exclusive negotiations’ are reported to be ongoing with a potential buyer, after a letter of intent was signed by both parties, which supporters will hope spells an end to the club’s troubles and leads to consistency for the side.
Previous Meetings…
Meetings with Reading have been few and far between in recent history.
In fact, the League One clash at the Select Car Leasing Stadium between the Royals and the Gas back in November, a 1-1 draw, was the first time the two teams had met since 2001. Back then, the two sides were in the old Division 2 together, with a Reading side managed by Alan Pardew claiming a 1-0 home win over the Gas.
The last victory for Rovers against Reading was an impressive one, a 6-0 thrashing away from home in 1999!
Allocated seating…
Seated tickets come with an allocated seat and row number, and supporters are kindly reminded to sit only in the seat that comes with the ticket.
Persistent standing…
Furthermore, Bristol Rovers FC must ensure we operate in full accordance with national rules and regulations. A particular issue that has been fed back by some fans is persistent standing which will impact the Club's ability to achieve 100 per cent occupancy, should standing continue.
Supporters wishing to stand for matches are kindly advised to locate themselves in one of the available terraces.
Match Officials…
Referee: Will Finnie
Assistant Referees: Alan Cresswell and Paul Evans
Fourth Official: Sam Ogles
