Bristol Rovers' second pre-season match of the 2025/26 season sees the Pirates in Southern Spain taking on Stockport County.
The Gas aim to secure back-to-back victories after winning against Chippenham last weekend. Ezio Toruay cancelled out Ruel Sotiriou's first-half strike before Micah Anthony struck the winner after the break.
Rovers have been preparing in Murcia to face Sky Bet League One outfit Stockport County, ahead of away games against Bath City and Yeovil Town. Rovers will then face Coventry City at The Memorial Stadium before going to Oxford United one week before the start of the campaign.
The Pirates have also welcomed two new additions to the team whilst being on tour, with goalkeeper Luke Southwood and midfielder Ryan Howley joining from Bolton Wanderers and Coventry City, respectively.
Tickets...
Tickets for our fixture against Stockport County are available to purchase here!
Please note: This fixture will not be streamed. Live updates will be on social media, and a match report will be posted afterwards.
Opposition...
Stockport dominated Sky Bet League Two in the 2023/24 season, earning themselves top spot and a promotion into Sky Bet League One.
The Hatters have since flourished in the third tier, performing well in their first season back in the third tier since 2009/10. They pushed to finish third in the standings last season, suffering a blow when Louie Barry, their top scorer in League One, was recalled by Aston Villa. In response, they signed Micah Hamilton on loan and added midfielder Owen Moxon to the fold. They made it into the playoffs, facing Leyton Orient before succumbing to penalties.
Dave Challinor's men will also welcome back Macauley Southam-Hales, who signed for the Gas from County this summer. The full-back has agreed to a two-year contract with the Club.
They have since lost more players in the summer transfer window, including Tanto Olaofe, Ryan Rydel, Ibby Touray, and Will Collar. Reacting by signing left-back Tayo Edun and League Two champion Joseph Olowu for their 25/26 season to fill the void, with forward Malik Mothersille also transferring from Peterborough United.
Previous Meetings...
Rovers previously played Stockport in League One on February 11 2025, drawing 1-1 at The Memorial Stadium. The Gas scored a last-minute goal in the 91st minute, with a header from debutant Sil Swinkels.
The Pirates also faced them on August 24 2024, losing 2-0. Then, 14 years earlier, the Gas celebrated a victory in 2010 when Jeff Huges scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at The Mem.
Rovers also beat Stockport at home in 2009, with Byron Anthony and Rickie Lambert netting in the first half.
