It was a long and unproductive trip to the freezing north-east last Saturday from where Rovers returned pointless after holding high-flying Sunderland for an hour before the referee stepped in!
There was a fantastic turn-out by the ‘Gas’ with around a thousand or so packing the away enclosure high up in ‘the gods’ at the Stadium of Light to witness Abu Agogo’s sending-off that changed the game. At the time it looked like he was unfairly treated but to be quite honest the travelling fans are so far distant from the opposite end of the pitch and no less than nine flights of stairs up above it that it was difficult to make a considered judgement. Also it has to be said that the Ref was under constant pressure with ‘Black Cats’ falling all over the pitch and the thirty-thousand ‘Mackems’ screaming injustice at every decision that didn’t go their way; a very hostile environment!
The clash of heads between Alfie Kilgour and Tony Craig apparently wasn’t and Sunderland were left with only Jamal Blackman to run around for the second goal and it was all over. I’m sure you have all seen the incidents on VR since so you can make up your own minds but the defeat leaves Rovers somewhat stranded in mid-table and we remain in 13th place in the table for the fourth week running. Still, there is much to play for starting today with the visit of Shrewsbury Town and a chance of a ‘double’ if we can repeat that thrilling victory at their place back in November last.
Get behind the boys in blue and let’s get win under our belts before another long trip across country to Southend next Saturday. If you are thinking about making that long trip then why not call into the Supporters Club cabin in the car park and book a seat on our coach to Roots Hall or alternatively book your place online by visiting https://bristolroverssc.co.uk/event/southend-united-away/