SKY BET LEAGUE 1
Saturday October 28th, 3.00pm
Memorial Stadium

BRISTOL ROVERS 2
Chris Martin 10
Antony Evans 30 pen

NORTHAMPTON TOWN 1
Manny Monthe 57

Attendance: not announced

Bristol Rovers: Matthew Cox, Josh Grant, Sam Finley (sub Lamare Bogarde 60), Aaron Collins, Connor Taylor, Chris Martin (sub John Marquis 60), Harvey Vale, Jevani Brown (sub James Gibbons 90), Antony Evans, Tristan Crama, George Friend (sub Luke Thomas 76)
Subs not used: Matthew Hall, Lewis Gordon, Scott Sinclair

Cobblers: Lee Burge, Akin Odimayo, Patrick Brough (sub Ali Koiki 68), Jordan Willis (sub Will Hondermarck 46), Sam Sherring, Manny Monthe (sub Aaron McGowan 83), Marc Leonard, Shaun McWilliams, Mitch Pinnock, Sam Hoskins, Tyreece Simpson (sub Ryan Haynes 86)
Subs not used: Max Thompson, Harvey Lintott, Neo Dobson

Referee: Sunny Gill

Booked:
Bristol Rovers: Josh Grant (12), Antony Evans (18), Chris Martin (41)
Cobblers: Mitch Pinnock (54)

Sent off:
Bristol Rovers: none
Cobblers: none

Tyreece Simpson replaced the suspended Kieron Bowie in the one change to the Northampton Town side for the trip to Bristol Rovers while 16-year old striker Neo Dobson from the club’s academy was named on the bench with a number of players still sidelined through injury. Rovers went into the game having parted company with manager Joey Barton 48 hours previous.

Manny Monthe showed good defensive strength early on to prevent Aaron Collins breaking clear while the Cobblers went close to opening the scoring when a dangerous ball in from Patrick Brough was nearly turned in by a Rovers defender.

Chris Martin put the home side in front on 10 minutes, flicking in a low cross from Collins. The Cobblers mounted an immediate response with Sam Sherring denied by a fantastic save by Matthew Cox and Sam Hoskins shot from the edge of the area deflected behind.

Antony Evans doubled Rovers lead from the penalty spot after Lee Burge was adjudged to have brought down Collins but the Cobblers keeper made good saves to prevent Tristan Crama and goalscorer Martin making it 3-0 before half-time.

Will Hondermarck came on for Jordan Willis at the break meaning a change of formation for Jon Brady’s side in the second half.

Hoskins flick was well saved by Cox as the Cobblers looked to pull a goal back and they were back in the game on 57 minutes when Manny Monthe headed home from a Mitch Pinnock free kick. Rovers reacted by bringing on Lamare Bogarde and former Cobblers loanee John Marquis who thought he had restored Rovers two goal lead but the off-side flag was already up.

Hondermarck had a goal bound effort blocked as the clock ticked towards 90 but despite their best efforts the Cobblers were unable to force a late equaliser and rescue a point.

BRISTOL ROVERS MATCH STATS (first half in brackets, match total out of brackets)
SHOTS ON TARGET: (5) 6
SHOTS OFF TARGET: (3) 5
CORNERS: (1) 2
FOULS: (6) 8
CAUGHT OFFSIDE: (0) 2

COBBLERS MATCH STATS (first half in brackets, match total out of brackets)
SHOTS ON TARGET: (3) 8
SHOTS OFF TARGET: (4) 4
CORNERS: (1) 4
FOULS: (1) 9
CAUGHT OFFSIDE: (1) 1