Since making his Bristol Rovers debut in the Gas’ 2023 Emirates FA Cup match against Whitby Town, Ollie Dewsbury has not looked back.
The forward became the second-youngest player in the Pirates' history when he came off the bench to replace John Marquis against Whitby, at the age of 15 years and 255 days.
Involved in first-team training ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Dewsbury made another appearance against Tottenham Hotspur U21s in the Vertu Trophy before going on loan to Yate Town and Taunton Town. Upon his return, the attacker made six appearances in Sky Bet League One, including a start against Blackpool on the final day of the campaign.
Dewsbury has regularly featured in the squad this term and knows all about the Pirates' history in the Emirates FA Cup from watching on in the stands. Speaking to the media before Rovers' trip to Bromley, he reflected on the Gas' comeback win over Oxford United back in 2021, his debut memories and the need for a positive result after a difficult run.
“I remember the Oxford game, I was at the late comeback, there’s been loads of memories," he said. "My debut was in the FA Cup, so that’s a good one to look back on. I’m really excited for Saturday.
“We know that the fans are wanting a big turnaround and that’s what we’re trying to get. There’s been no change since the unbeaten run in the togetherness.
“We’re all sticking together. All the staff, all the players – we’re all just trying to get out of this bad run, but we’re sticking to our principles and doing the same sort of stuff that we were doing in the unbeaten run so we’re just hoping it changes pretty soon. A winning goal would be amazing. That’s what I’m hoping for.”
The Pirates had a difficult October, winning just one of their five matches. After an unbeaten run of eight games across all competitions, the Gas have lost their last four fixtures in Sky Bet League Two.
The Emirates FA Cup gives the Gas an opportunity to turn their momentum around. Rovers reached the third round of the competition last term, beating Weston-super-Mare and Barnsley before being eliminated by Ipswich Town.
As a young forward, Dewsbury has been delighted to be part of the squad and knows the quality of the team despite the tough run of form.
“It’s obviously a tough time, but the boys know that we can work our way through it," said Dewsbury. "We had that unbeaten run, we know the quality we’ve got in the team, the togetherness.
“So, I think, yes, it’s tough when we’re losing, but it’s all character building, really, for me, so I don’t really mind.”
It has been quite the journey for Dewsbury, who has been working his way through the ranks after joining the Club at pre-academy level. He had challenges along the way and is looking to utilise those experiences in the upcoming game.
“You’ve obviously had times where you’ve got to overcome different challenges, and this is obviously a big one, because we know that the fans want us to do well," he said. “There’s a lot of support. So, that’s obviously on your backs every game, but we’re just trying to do our best, really.
"It’s a really good group of lads. The senior lads are really good with me, obviously, we had a few lads come in, it is a big change from last season, it is really good here. The togetherness is really good. Around the building is really good. I fit in really well.”
Dewsbury is now mixing it with the first team senior side and has made eight appearances across all competitions this term. He has also represented Wales at the youth level and suggested there is a big jump between youth and senior football.
“Everything’s different," he said. "It’s all a level higher. There’s a lot more pressure. The standards that you’re held to are higher, but I think I enjoy it.
“The boys push me; they know that I can take it, so I really enjoy it. The boys push me every day in training, so I’m just trying to kick on again this year.”
