Bristol Rovers 2-0 Accrington Stanley
Sky Bet League Two, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 28 March 2026
Riley Harbottle and Jack Sparkes scored either side of half-time to help Bristol Rovers secure a 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League Two.
It did not take the Pirates long to break the deadlock, with Kofi Balmer launching a long throw-in from the right towards Harbottle, who directed his header beyond the reach of Ollie Wright.
The Gas controlled the majority of the contest and doubled their advantage soon after the break, with Sparkes curling a free-kick into the bottom left corner after making the most of space on the outside of the wall.
The Pirates could have added to their advantage, but Mees Rijks squandered a couple of efforts, and Joel Senior dragged his strike wide of the left post.
The Pirates were looking for their sixth win in seven outings at The Mem and got off to the perfect start at home. Balmer, who created Rovers' winner with a long throw-in against Shrewsbury Town, was at it again on Saturday afternoon. His throw-in found Harbottle, who headed the ball across the goal and into the top right corner for his first goal in the blue-and-white quarters.
Rovers were able to remain on the front foot, and Balmer looked to turn from assister to scorer, but curled a first-time strike from the edge of the box over the top of the bar.
The ‘Owd Reds began to retaliate as Isaac Sinclair’s effort was denied by a block from Balmer. Josh Woods then found possession on the left flank and powered a right-footed shot towards the box, which deflected off Alfie Kilgour on its way behind for a corner.
Chances were few and far between for the rest of the first half before the Gas ended strongly. Tommy Leigh, who has been in excellent form at The Mem, crossed towards Joe Quigley, but the goalkeeper claimed his tame header.
The Gas looked to regain control in the second half and started as quickly as they did in the first. It looked like Leigh was going to take a free-kick on the edge of the box after Fabrizio Cavegn was fouled, but Sparkes spotted space on the left side of the wall and took responsibility, whipping his strike low and into the bottom corner.
Steve Evans then introduced Mees Rijks and Shaq Forde, with the duo making an immediate impact. Forde raced through the heart of the pitch and found Joel Senior, who sent a cutback towards Rijks, but he directed his shot wide.
Senior then looked to get his first goal for the Club, breaking forward before drilling his low strike off target. Rijks kept getting in the right position, creating an option for Forde, who brought the ball forward before laying it off to him, but he lifted his strike over.
The ‘Owd Reds responded, as Séamus Conneely’s attempt was saved by Brad Young, as well as efforts from Dave Abimbola and Josh Woods being blocked by the Gas’ defence. In the five minutes of stoppage time, a header from Josh Woods narrowly missed to the left. The final chance fell to Alfie Kilgour, following an assist from Kofi Balmer, who directed his effort just past the top left corner.
Bristol Rovers: Young, Senior, Sparkes, Kilgour ©, Mola, Balmer, Leigh (Forde 66), Harbottle, Quigley (Harrison 91), Cavegn (Rijks 66), Smallwood
Subs not used: Southwood, Thomas, Thompson-Sommers, de Havilland
Goals: Harbottle, Sparkes
Bookings: Harbottle, Rijks
Accrington Stanley: Wright, Love, Rawson, Whalley, Madden (Abimbola 75), Sinclair, Matthews (Sass 54), Brown (Walton 62), Conneely ©, O’Brien (Martin 75), Woods
Subs not used: Kelly, Butterfield, Smith
Bookings: Matthews, Sass, Walton
Referee: Benjamin Speedie
Attendance: 8805 (155 away)
