Josh McEachran returned to familiar territory during his match at the Kassam Stadium. After playing 60 minutes for the Bristol Rovers against Oxford United, McEachran was happy to see some familiar faces, but also delighted by the Gas’ victory.
The U’s had the better of the chances either side of half-time, with their best opportunity coming through Mark Harris in the early stages, but the forward whipped his attempt wide of the right post.
The Gas were under pressure, but in a quiet second half, substitute Micah Anthony provided the match-winning moment with a low strike into the bottom corner.
Speaking to BRTV after the victory, Josh McEachran, who captained the Pirates against his former side, was happy to return to Kassam Stadium and stated that he is eager to win, especially heading into the season.
“I think it was a really good performance, obviously the clean sheet at the 1-0 win,” he said. “It was great, I mean, we knew we weren’t going to have loads of the ball coming here, but for an away performance I thought it was perfect.
“It was a perfect end to the pre-season. Obviously, the real stuff starts next Saturday, which we’re all looking forward to, but I thought defensively we were very good today. We limited them to very few chances, so a very good away performance.
“We’ve got quite a young squad. I’m probably the oldest in the squad at the moment, so I know I can bring a lot of experience to this squad. That’s what I’m looking to do this season. So, it was good to get the captaincy today, and I really enjoyed it.”
Rovers had to show plenty of spirit against Oxford, who enjoyed the better chances and went close on several occasions before Anthony’s goal. Still, there was plenty of time for Oxford to find a leveller, but the Gas showed their defensive strength to limit the hosts' shots at goal to preserve the win and clean sheet.
Such attributes are vital for any team hoping for a successful season in Sky Bet League Two, with McEachran confessing Head Coach Darrell Clarke has brought a winning mentality to the team.
“I think the gaffers really got us into a winning culture,” he said. “We want to win every game, whether it's pre-season or obviously in the season, so that was massive to get the win today. Obviously, our last game of the season, so it was huge.”
McEachran is one of seven summer signings for the Gas, with the Chelsea Academy graduate adding plenty of experience to the midfield. With appearances in the Champions League and Premier League, as well as accumulating 275 English Football League games under his belt, his previous two seasons before joining the Gas came at Oxford, where he has positive memories after gaining promotion with the U’s out of Sky Bet League Two in the 2023/24 season.
“I had a couple of years here, the first year was great, getting the promotion and then the second year in the Championship,” he said. “I wish them nothing but success this year and in many years to come. Obviously, seeing the lads around was really good.”
Rovers’ win over Oxford was their fourth triumph in pre-season, previously beating Chippenham Town, Bath City and Yeovil Town. The Pirates' only two defeats came against Stockport County, where the Gas fell to a 3-2 defeat after battling back from two goals behind to level, and Coventry City, where Rovers matched their Sky Bet Championship opponents for most of the contest.
After all the work that has been put in, McEachran is now looking forward to the league campaign getting underway.
“The real stuff starts next Saturday, really,” said the midfielder. “Obviously, we’ll rest and recover tomorrow, and then we’ll be back on the training pitch tomorrow, looking forward to Harrogate.
"We’ve got a good squad at the moment. There’s going to be some additions in the coming weeks, but I think we’ve got a good, solid base, so everyone’s raring to go now.”
