Bristol Rovers 3-1 Grimsby Town
Sky Bet League Two, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 21 February 2026
Bristol Rovers secured a well-deserved 3-1 Sky Bet League Two win against Grimsby Town at The Memorial Stadium.
Kofi Balmer netted his second goal since signing for the Gas in January with another stunning finish. Just minutes later, Joe Quigley doubled the advantage with a clinical effort to seal a dominant start.
Although the Mariners managed to pull one back just before half-time, Rovers remained determined and carried their intensity into the second half.
Continuing to press and work tirelessly, the Gas were rewarded for their effort when Yusuf Akhamrich added a well-deserved third, while a disciplined defensive display ensured the victory was seen out in style.
Rovers made a superb start and set the pace from the first whistle with a thrilling opening ten minutes. An early free kick from just beyond the halfway line, delivered with intent by Ryan de Havilland, caused problems in the Grimsby box. Kofi Balmer met it confidently, driving the ball into the bottom corner and giving the Gas an early advantage.
Grimsby had kept a clean sheet in their previous four away outings in the fourth tier, but could not match the pace the Pirates started with. After winning back possession from a brief spell of Grimsby pressure, the ball was moved swiftly into the attacking third. Akhamrich produced a perfect cross to Quigley, who finished calmly just five minutes after the opener to make it 2-0.
Grimsby Town looked to respond after both goals but were unable to make their chances count. Despite enjoying brief periods of possession, they struggled to find a decisive touch in front of goal. Rovers’ defence stood firm. Brad Young was called into action on several occasions, making key blocks and an excellent save to deny Jamie Walker with a powerful effort.
Despite Rovers continuing to press just before the break, the visitors found a lifeline, and just before the interval, Andy Cook turned with the ball and scored at close range, reducing the advantage. Grimsby pushed again in added time, earning a late free kick, but Quigley cleared the danger, and Young remained sharp to preserve the lead.
The Gas looked strong coming into the second half and worked hard to extend their lead. The persistence paid off just past the hour mark when, after Kane Thompson-Sommers saw his effort blocked, Akhamrich reacted quickly to curl the ball into the bottom corner for a third.
The goal lifted both the players and the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere at The Mem and prompting Luke Thomas and Promise Omochere to come off the bench and maintain the high-energy performance. Promise nearly made an immediate impact with a dangerous run that narrowly missed the target.
In the closing stages, Young proved crucial once again, standing firm under Grimsby's pressure. He produced a strong hit to deny George McEachran’s powerful strike before confidently dealing with a dangerous long-range corner.
The visitors continued to press during the five minutes of added time, with Omochere going narrowly wide after being found by Fabrizio Cavegn. The visitors had one final opportunity, but Young gathered it safely seconds before the whistle, ensuring the Gas secured a fully deserved victory at the closing whistle.
Bristol Rovers: Young, Senior, Kilgour, Mola, Akhamrich, Thompson-Sommers, De Havilland, Balmer, Harrison, Quigley, Smallwood, Omochere (66), Thomas (66), Cavegn (83), Rijks (90)
Subs not used: Southwood, Lockyer, Leigh,
Bookings: Mola, Harrison, Smallwood
Goals: Balmer, Quigley, Akhamrich
Grimsby: Smith, Green, Rodgers, Lavelle, Walker, Kabia, Staunton, McJannet, McEachran, Vernam, Cook, Burns (70),Amaluzor (79), Turi (79), Sellars-Fleming (90)
Subs not used: Auton, Khouri, Warren
Goals: Cook
Referee: Ollie Yates
Attendance: 7719 (818 away)
