Late strike sees Rovers edge out Romans

A late goal by Bristol Rovers’ Chris Martin was the difference between the sides in an entertaining pre-season meeting at Twerton Park this afternoon. In front of nearly 2000 supporters – many wearing their England shirts ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2024 final – City gave the League 1 side a stern test, especially during the second half when they enjoyed the better of the chances.

The visitors enjoyed the upper hand in the first period with Harvey Wiles-Richards saving well from Bilongo and Conteh, whilst Brown’s neat effort dropped narrowly wide. Their best chance fell to McMormick late in the half but he could only head Senior’s cross wide with the goal at his mercy. City had shown glimpses of a threat going forward without really troubling the Gas rear-guard.

The interval saw Rovers change their entire XI and the balance of the game shifted in City’s favour. On 55 minutes Sol Wanjau-Smith’s cross saw Scott Wilson’s header come back off the foot of the post. Three minutes later Ewan Clark won possession in the visitors box but his shot was well saved by Griffiths, with Wanjau-Smith’s follow-up effort blocked by a defender. City continued to look the more likely winners but with nine minutes left Martin was given too much room in the City box to bring down a cross and steer his shot past Wiles-Richards.