Bristol Rovers U18s produced one of their best away performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Swindon Town 3–1 at Beversbrook with an energetic attacking display and a composed second-half showing that secured all three points.
Rovers started on the front foot and quickly created early openings, pressing high and forcing Swindon into mistakes. An early chance fell to Wil Turner, who spun his defender inside the box before firing narrowly over. Soon after, a dangerous free-kick delivery from Jack Toogood found Jayden Jones, whose diving header was blocked as the visitors threatened from set plays.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Turner held the ball well before feeding Kian Hill in space, and the midfielder finished calmly into the bottom corner to give the Gas a deserved lead. The visitors doubled their advantage six minutes later, again through relentless pressure high up the pitch. Turner chased down a loose ball, won the duel with the goalkeeper, and chipped confidently into the empty net to make it 2–0.
Swindon responded with a penalty midway through the first half to reduce the deficit. However, Rovers continued to look the more dangerous side, particularly through the direct running of Ciaran O’Donnell and Hill, whose movement between the lines repeatedly stretched the hosts’ defence.
The decisive third goal arrived just after the hour mark, Rovers winning the ball and slipping a perfectly weighted through ball into Hill’s path. The midfielder produced a composed left-footed finish into the top corner to complete his brace and restore Rovers’ two-goal cushion.
From that point, Rovers controlled the contest effectively. The back line stayed organised under late Swindon pressure, whilst goalkeeper Alex Berger dealt confidently with the few chances that came his way as the visitors saw the game out professionally.
Speaking after the match, Coach Bobby-Mckenzie Black praised both the fast start and the collective nature of the performance.
“I’m really proud of the boys today. I thought we were excellent in the first 20 to 25 minutes and deserved the early goals. The players reacted well when the game changed, stayed disciplined, and managed the second half really well.”
Black also emphasised the team effort behind Hill’s goals.
“Kian will take the headlines with the two goals, but it came from the work of the whole group. We pressed well, stayed organised, and created those opportunities together, which is the most pleasing part of the result.”
Rovers will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture on the road again, where they will face Cheltenham Town on the 21st February.
Photo credits: @Charliealfordphotography on Instagram
