Match Preview | Bristol Rovers v Cheltenham Town

CHELTENHAM TOWN

Bristol Rovers v Cheltenham Town
Sky Bet League Two, The Memorial Stadium, Saturday 25 April 2026, 3:00pm KO

Bristol Rovers are looking for an eighth consecutive win in Sky Bet League Two as they face Cheltenham Town in the latest instalment of the West Country derby. 

The Gas made it seven victories on the bounce last Saturday with a 2-1 win away at Tranmere Rovers. A stunning strike from Promise Omochere, just a few minutes after coming on, put Rovers in front, before Jayden Joseph levelled six minutes later.

However, the Pirates did not let the momentum swing in the hosts' favour, with another substitute making an important contribution. A late winner from Yusuf Akhamrich following a fast break helped keep Rovers' excellent run of form going ahead of their last home game of the 2025/26 season.

The Pirates now must face Cheltenham, who have recently picked up wins against Walsall, Gillingham and Newport County, but fell to a 3-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night. 

Read everything you need to know about the fixture below...

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The Memorial Stadium

Tickets...

This fixture has now sold out and there will be no further tickets available on the day. Please do not attend the stadium if you do not have a valid ticket.

Our Matchday Ticket Office will be open for Season Ticket purchases and renewals only, and will be selling Notts County tickets if there are any remaining.

To ensure the safety of everyone at the stadium, please remain in your allocated area and seat during the game.

Thank you for your fantastic support!

Opposition...

After spending the 2015/16 season in the fifth tier, Cheltenham Town returned to the English Football League, winning automatic promotion with 101 points. Cheltenham have since alternated between Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two, spending three seasons in the third tier, before finishing 21st in their 2023/24 campaign.

Steve Cotterill, who started his senior career with the Robins and led them to two promotions during his first tenure with his West Country outfit, is currently in charge. The former striker returned to the club in September 2025, instantly leading the club to ten points in their first four matches and was named Manager of the Month for October. 
 
Cheltenham picked up some form in mid-April with an impressive 4-0 win over Walsall, with second-half strikes from Harry Ashfield, Isaac Hutchinson, George Miller and a late strike from Josh Martin sealing the victory and their status in Sky Bet League Two. They continued with a 2-1 victory over Gillingham and a 1-0 victory over Newport County, before a defeat against Tranmere, with Miller providing the opener for the hosts. However, the Super White Army came from behind with strikes from Nathan Smith, Jayden Joseph and Omari Patrick. 

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Cheltenham Town

Previous Meetings...

Rovers have a strong record against Cheltenham, losing two of their last 13 matches against the Robins across all competitions, but they did lose the most recent meeting. Jonathan Tomkinson scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Cotterill's men, with the hosts getting their revenge after the Gas' narrow victory in the Vertu Trophy earlier in the campaign.

The Gas last emerged victorious over the Robins in April 2024, with a comfortable 3-1. Scott Sinclair, Brandon Aguilera and Elkan Baggott all scored. At The Mem, the Pirates' previous triumph over Cheltenham was back on New Year's Day in 2023, with Aaron Collins and Josh Coburn both bagging.

Cheltenham beat Rovers at The Mem in the Carabao Cup in 2021, but their last league victory at the home of the Gas was in 2012, with Chris Zebroski netting the only goal. 

Opening Times...

Club Store: 10am – 3:00pm and full-time - 5:30pm  

Ticket Office: Midday  

Thatchers’ Bar: Midday  

BRFC Legends Bar: Midday  

Hospitality: Midday  

Home Fanzone: Midday  

Away Fanzone: Midday  

Access for disabled supporters: 1:15pm  

Bars after Turnstile: 1:30pm  

Home Turnstiles: 1:30pm  

Away Turnstiles: 1:30pm 

 

Staying safe at The Mem...

Bristol Rovers wants all attendees to enjoy football in a safe and inclusive environment.

Seated tickets come with an allocated seat and row number, and supporters are kindly reminded to sit only in the seat that comes with the ticket.    

Furthermore, Bristol Rovers must ensure we operate in full accordance with EFL ground regulations. A particular issue that has been fed back by some fans is persistent standing. Supporters wishing to stand for matches are kindly advised to locate themselves in one of the available terraces.

Additionally, Bristol Rovers would like to remind all supporters that throwing objects onto the pitch or entering the field of play is strictly prohibited. Both offences are criminal acts under UK law. Anyone involved can face arrest, fines and potential banning orders. We ask all fans to support the team responsibly and help us maintain a safe and respectful matchday environment.

Bristol Rovers is committed to removing and eliminating any direct or indirect discrimination of any form or kind within club structures and will, under no circumstances, condone unlawful discriminatory practices. To discover how to report any incidents of discrimination, click here.

 

Match Officials...

Referee: Michael Barlow

Assistant Referee: Joseph Larkin and Andrew Aylott

Fourth Official: Ben Atkinson
 

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Memorial Stadium Derby Weekender
Read Time: 5 mins