On this day

The Rovers supporters weren’t disappointed and saw their side record a 3-0 win. David Mehew gave the Gas a 28th minute lead with his 21st goal of the season, Phil Purnell made it 2-0 just before half time and Paul Nixon sealed victory with a sensational volley in the 88th minute. By that time the Rovers fans were already on the touchline waiting to mob their heroes at the final whistle. Before the celebrations began (again) Gerry Francis had this to say; ‘I’m just very pleased that we went out and finished the job professionally and the supporters were brilliant.

‘But it’s history now, although it’s there in black and white and the players will get their medals. And it doesn’t matter what happens to them in the rest of their careers, they will always have those medals and be able to treasure them.’

The day after the game there was an open top bus tour, from Keynsham to Eastville where some 3,000 supporters were on hand to welcome the team. On the way the bus passed through Kingswood and was brought to a standstill by a huge street party and a ticker tape welcome.

Speaking that day Ian Holloway said; ‘The supporters have been fantastic and this is a very proud moment for me. Rovers have been in Bristol City’s shadow for a long time but now it’s our turn to walk tall. To go into the Second Division as champions is something special.’

Off the pitch it was reported that the successful management team of Gerry Francis and Kenny Hibbitt could be broken up as assistant boss Hibbitt had been shortlisted for the manager’s job at Walsall.

Rovers: Parkin, Alexander, Twentyman, Yates, Jones, Mehew, Holloway, Reece, Purnell (Nixon), White, Saunders.

Substitute: McClean