Bristol Rovers beat Northampton Town 1-0 on the opening day of the Sky Bet League One season after a stoppage-time header from Bryant Bilongo.
A slow start to the first half was followed by Rovers having the better chances. Grant Ward fired his effort from range straight at Lee Burge before Promise Omochere, who was one of six players handed their debut from the start by Matt Taylor, forced a brilliant diving save out of the goalkeeper.
Rovers remained the team in the ascendancy after the break but couldn’t make the chances count. Hutchinson was denied his first Gas goal after a fantastic block by Jordan Willis and Omochere headed his effort just wide.
The Pirates had plenty of opportunities and finally took the lead in the 92nd minute through Bilongo, who latched onto Luke Thomas’ corner and knocked his header into the net.
