Bristol Rovers 4-0 Cheltenham Town
Sky Bet League Two, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 25 April 2026
Bristol Rovers broke the record for the longest winning run in the English Football League this season with an eighth consecutive win, as a sensational hat-trick from Ellis Harrison and a late goal from Shaq Forde secured a dominant win over Cheltenham Town.
The Gas wasted no time asserting their control and taking the lead inside the opening two minutes as Harrison powered home a perfect header. He later added a second in first-half stoppage time to give Rovers a deserved advantage at the break.
Cheltenham started stronger after halftime, but their momentum was short-lived, as Harrison completed his hat-trick to extend the Pirates' advantage.
With five minutes left to play, Manager Steve Evans joined the Thatchers End and celebrated the Gas' fourth goal with the rest of the Gasheads. Forde sealed the result in the 87th minute, converting a cross from close range right in front of the gaffer.
The Pirates commanded the early stages, keeping the ball in the attacking third throughout the opening ten minutes. From an early corner, Jack Sparkes delivered a perfect cross into the box, where Harrison directed a precise header into the corner to secure the opener.
Rovers continued to dictate the pace, with Harrison at the heart of the action. He came close to doubling the lead after getting onto a long throw- in from Kofi Balmer, and later had another opportunity where he worked hard to keep possession before firing wide.
Despite a brief spell of pressure from Cheltenham, Rovers’ defence was strong. Brilliant link-up play between Sparkes and Clinton Mola helped deny the visitors any real chance and break down a dangerous attack.
Cheltenham threatened again from a free kick following a Kofi Balmer foul, but Harrison showcased his skill at the other end of the pitch, working hard to block the danger. As the first half edged into added time, Harrison struck again. Meeting another delivery into the box, he flicked a header past Joe Day to give Rovers their second of the game.
Cheltenham showed more attacking intent after the break, with an effort from Harry Ashfield comfortably collected by Brad Young. While the visitors started well, Harrison quickly restored Rovers’ control, securing his hat-trick with a perfect effort to chip the ball over the goalkeeper and extend the lead and electrify The Mem.
Rovers continued to push forward, making a double substitution within the first 20 minutes of the second half, introducing Tom Lockyer and Tommy Leigh. Harrison, after an outstanding performance, was later substituted to a standing ovation, with Joe Quigley coming on in his place.
With the scoreline reading 3–0 heading into the final stages, a memorable moment unfolded off the pitch. In the 84th minute, Evans made good on his promise by leaving his dugout and entering the famous Thatchers End to join the Gasheads, watching the closing minutes from the stands.
Moments after his arrival, Forde met a cross from the right and fired home to make it five, confirming an outstanding victory in front of a sell-out crowd, with the manager witnessing the moment alongside the fans at the final home game of the season.
Bristol Rovers: Young, Senior, Balmer, Harbottle, Sparkes, Smallwood (Locker 64), Mola (De Havilland 85), Akhamrich (Rijks 84), Forde, Omochere (Leigh 65), Harrison (Quigley 74)
Subs not used: Cavegn, Southwood
Goals: Harrison (3), Forde
Bookings: Sparkes, Balmer, Smallwood
Cheltenham Town: Day, Tomkinson, Sherring, Wilson, Nurse (Jude-Boyd 68), Young, Ashfield, Broom (Deeming 69), Thomas, Davison (Faal 62), Bickerstaff (Martin 79)
Subs not used: Diallo, Harmon, Miller
Bookings: Wilson
Attendance: 11,126 (1,155 away)
