For Macauley Southam-Hales, Bristol Rovers’ win over Salford City was all about togetherness.
The Pirates got off to a tricky start against the Ammies, with former Rovers loanee directing a clever strike into the top corner to give the visitors the lead. However, Darrell Clarke's men did not let their heads drop and levelled the contest just before half-time through Ellis Harrison.
The Gas gained all of the momentum, and after creating a few chances, Fabrizio Cavegn gave the hosts the lead with a fine low finish through Matthew Young's legs. The hosts limited Salford's chances before conceding a penalty in the final moments, but Luke Southwood came up with a massive save to deny Luke Garbutt.
Rovers have earned five wins in six Sky Bet League Two outings, with all of their triumphs coming by a one-goal margin. Southam-Hales would like the Pirates' victories to come in less stressful circumstances, but was delighted with the togetherness of his team in getting over the line.
“It was a long day,” he said. “We knew they were going to be a good side, but listen, we put in a real performance that the fans could get behind and be proud of. If we can make it a lot less stressful, then we will. However, if we have to win games like that, then that’s the main thing: winning games. We showed a real togetherness, and the 12th man in the crowd really helped us get through it.
“If we want to keep going up this league, then we’ve got to put teams to bed and try and put a dominant performance out there. If we can win two or three nil, then better, but the fewer games we have like that, the better.”
He later added: “There was a real togetherness in that performance, we’re picking up points, we’re at the top of the form table, and we’ll keep that going.”
The Gas needed to get a foothold in the game after falling behind through Butcher's fine strike and found one through Harrison. Luke Southwood launched a deep free-kick towards Alfie Kilgour, who flicked a header towards the forward to score from close range.
Rovers went from back to front with a direct set-piece, with Kilgour assisting Harrison for the second time this term after finding the 31-year-old for the winner against Cambridge United last month, with Southam-Hales not surprised the Gas' equaliser came from a dead-ball situation.
“That’s what he’s here to do,” said the right-back. “He gets goals. He’s a top lad, it’s what he’s there to do, pick up positions in the box and get goals, and it’s no surprise it’s come from a set-piece with Luke and Alfie getting on the end of it and heading a great ball across, and Ellis is there to do what he does.”
The Gas were the better side in the second half and gained the lead through Cavegn, who latched onto a mistake from Salford's defence before slotting his strike into the back of the net. The Swiss striker scored for the third straight fixture in the fourth tier, with Southam-Hales full of praise for the forward.
“We know as back lads, if we stay strong and try and keep the ball out of our net, we will get chances at the top end of the pitch with the quality that we have,” he said. “Fabrizio is young, he’s brilliant, he’s good on the eye to watch, he works hard, and he’s only going to get better. So, that’s exciting for everyone.”
The ending of games does not get more dramatic than Rovers' win over Salford. The Gas were on the edge of another victory before coming across a late hurdle, with referee Garreth Rhodes penalising Luke Thomas for a foul on Jorge Grant.
Captain Garbutt took responsibility for Salford from the spot, but Southwood got down to his right to push away the initial effort before scrambling away the rebound. Southam-Hales was pleased for the shot-stopper, crediting the work the goalkeeping unit does throughout the week to prepare for such moments.
“I’m not going to comment too much on the decision itself,” he said. “It’s been given. Should it have been given? That’s up for debate, but Luke in those moments, that’s what he’s there to do.
“I know it’s cliché to say that, but he puts the work in. Brad is behind him as well, the whole goalkeeping unit, there’s a real togetherness between them, as there is with all of the lads and coaches. They did the work, and it paid off for him, so fair play to them.
“There seems to be a real togetherness amongst the group, and then that correlates with the fans. If we can get this place rocking like it is today, wow, we’ve got a good chance.”
The Pirates had a tough start to the 2025/26 campaign but are on form after extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight fixtures. With five wins out of six, the Gas are up to seventh place in the fourth tier, with Southam-Hales always sure their hard work would come good.
“As we said in all the interviews at the start of the season, we knew it would come right,” said the defender. “We put the work in every day. We work hard, the togetherness is massive on that, and there is a real togetherness in there. We will go to war with each other every week to pick up points.”
