Jack Sparkes said Bristol Rovers must find a way to start games better after the Gas fell to a 2-1 defeat to Salford City at The Memorial Stadium.
The defender netted his first goal of the 2026/27 season in the second half, stepping up for a free-kick and whipping his left-footed effort into the bottom corner to get one back for the Pirates.
Sparkes' strike came moments after Ellis Harrison's missed spot-kick, with the Gas 2-0 down at half-time after Brendan Wiredu and Daniel Udoh scored for the Ammies. Rovers were the better team after the break but failed to level, and will now turn their attention to their fixture against Swindon Town at The Mem on Saturday.
Speaking to the media after the match, Sparkes reflected on the game, saying it took his side some time to work out Salford's shape and that his team must bounce back.
