Brad Young showed he is capable of coming up with big saves at important moments in Bristol Rovers' 1-0 victory over Oxford United on Saturday.
With Rovers put under pressure by their Sky Bet Championship opponents, Micah Anthony struck in the latter stages of the contest to give the Gas a narrow lead to hold onto. The Pirates stayed strong and defended their box valiantly, but when a top strike from Siriki Dembélé found its way through, Young sprang across his goal to push the ball around the post.
The shot-stopper made several other routine saves in his second-half appearance, helping Rovers to their second clean sheet in six pre-season outings. The Pirates have won four games ahead of the 2025/26 Sky Bet League Two campaign and know they have another goalkeeper they can trust in Young, who is one of seven summer signings for the Club men after leaving Leicester City.
Speaking to BRTV after the win over the U's, Young emphasised he is ready for the new campaign and was pleased he could play his part in Rovers' victory.
“It’s always nice to play and build up minutes going into the season,” he said. “It shows I’m ready when I’m coming off the bench. It was a positive display all around, so it’s a good way to finish.
“It’s a big thing being a goalkeeper, staying switched on in the dying embers of the game, and that’s what we’re there for, and that’s what we work all week to do. So, I’m pleased I kept my concentration and made the save to help the lads to victory.”
In a tight contest, Rovers showed their resilience to ensure they were on the right end of the result, with such characteristics sure to be crucial if they are to enjoy a successful season across 46 Sky Bet League Two games. Young said pre-season games cannot replicate competitive outings directly, but confessed his team will need to be able to earn results like they did against the U’s.
“Pre-season games don't have that same buzz,” stated Young. “You try as hard as you can, but it’s not the same intensity, but I think today the lads have shown it, especially grinding out until the end there. That’s what the games are about. You’ve got to dig in for those last 15 minutes, especially if you want a successful year, sticking together and winning games.
“You can play some pre-season games where you batter teams and play them off the park, but I think coming away to a Championship side and getting that 1-0 victory, it’s something really positive to take into the season and it puts us in good stead.”
Young is part of a strong goalkeeper union at the Pirates. Academy graduate Jed Ward has made 42 appearances in all competitions for Rovers, with Luke Southwood joining the group alongside Young in the summer, with the Northern Ireland international moving from Bolton Wanderers.
Young emphasised that the trio have a great relationship and push each other every day in training.
“It’s a brilliant group,” said the goalkeeper. “There aren’t many better around, I don’t think; we all push each other so hard day in day out and all get along so well. There’s a great relationship. It’s a very enjoyable environment to work in with James Bittner.
Pre-season games are now over, with the Pirates now turning their attention to their fixture against Harrogate Town at The Memorial Stadium for the campaign opener next weekend, where three points are up for grabs.
Young is excited for the season to start and is hoping The Mem will be rocking for the visit of the Sulphurites.
“We were saying earlier that it’s just come and gone,” he said. “It’s a good thing in a way as we can’t wait to get going now against Harrogate at home at the Mem to hopefully pack it out and get the season off to a rocking start.”
