The magic of the number three has evaded Bristol Rovers for two-and-a-half years when it comes to winning streaks. October 2022 was the last time the Gas won three consecutive League One matches. Sure, they’ve won back-to-back games on plenty of occasions since, but getting that third win has kept proving to be too big of an ask.
Once again, Rovers find themselves with an opportunity to break that hoodoo when they travel to Lincoln City this afternoon having completed two super scalps over play-off chasing sides in Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers at the Mem. Within the space of four days, a feeling of doom and gloom has quickly evolved into widespread optimism.
Inigo Calderon was right to make the point in his pre-match press conference that the job of securing survival isn’t done yet. However, with a nine-point gap above the relegation zone and 10 matches to go, Rovers are very close to getting themselves over the line.
The Spaniard also noted that a win at the LNER Stadium today would be the “cherry on the cake” after an excellent week at home. The Gas’ poor away form has been a talking point all season with just three league wins on the road to date. However, there is cautious optimism that a two-and-a-half month wait for an away win could end this afternoon.
Admittedly, two wins in four days against Huddersfield and Bolton would have sapped plenty of energy and effort and so it will be interesting to see what version of Rovers we see. Meanwhile, it appears as though Lincoln have little to play for at this stage of the season with the play-off positions a considerable distance away while the Imps have a very comfortable cushion above the relegation zone.
Calderon may find that he needs to freshen up his side in places but recent matches have proven which names find themselves in the ‘core’ group of players. With that considered, here’s how we think the Gas may line up in Lincolnshire…
Goalkeeper and defence
One of the most notable aspects of Jed Ward’s game since the goalkeeper’s return from loan at Forest Green Rovers is his improved confidence coming for aerial balls, be that crosses or set pieces. The 21-year-old’s catching has been largely spot on whereas last season he was guilty of a few soft punches or ‘flaps’.
It seems as though Myles Roberts is still struggling with an injury so there is less competitions for the young goalkeeper but his last three performances have been excellent.
Ahead of Ward, there is no real reason to change the back-three unless enforced. James Wilson’s outstanding streak of playing every league minute so far this season continued on Tuesday night while Connor Taylor got the goalscoring moment he’ll have been desperate for since returning to the Mem as a permanent Bristol Rovers player nearly two years ago.
Additionally, Sil Swinkels has fit like a glove in this team with a couple of strong displays lately since coming into the starting lineup amid Inigo Calderon’s decision to switch to a back-three. Rovers fans are already asking about the possibility of having the Dutchman back on loan next season but already that seems as though it will be an incredibly tough ask.
In the wing-back positions, Clinton Mola was superb against Huddersfield and then a bit underwhelming against Bolton. Matt Taylor said earlier in the season that the 23-year-old should be playing in the Championship. On his day, he is a top player for this level, but finding improved consistency seems to be the next step for him.
On the opposite flank, Joel Senior came in on Tuesday night and did well but Jack Hunt is expected to slot back in having been rested against Bolton. The 34-year-old has done well to play as much football as he has of late considering his injury history as a Gas player and his performances speak for themself.
Midfield
An area that still feels light in regards to options, Inigo Calderon’s hands seem pretty much tied. Matt Butcher seems to be one of those players whose good work will come in the form of moments that go under the radar. He’s proven to be a great addition in the middle of the park and Bristol Rovers should certainly be monitoring the options of bringing him in permanently this summer if the 27-year-old remains surplus to requirements at Wycombe Wanderers.
Alongside him, Taylor Moore came in to start on Tuesday and did well. There is no reason why, despite his credentials as a defender, the 27-year-old shouldn’t come in again.
Romaine Sawyers is close to a return but it seems as though this weekend will be too early while Jamie Lindsay clearly isn’t being fancied after being excluded for another squad in midweek despite a midfield shortage. Grant Ward is also believed to be struggling with an injury.
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Isaac Hutchinson could technically come in and play as an eight but the 24-year-old has shown he is far more effective when given more licence to attack.
He may find himself back in the starting 11, playing behind the strikers, but it would be a surprise to see Kofi Shaw come out after an excellent performance against Bolton, even if he is 18.
How the teenager is managed from now until the end of the season by Calderon will be interesting but the head coach seems to have no issues with selecting youngsters if they are able to perform and contribute.
You have also got the likes of Luke Thomas and Scott Sinclair available who have shown lately that they can contribute but starting spots in this system that complement their qualities are scarce.
Strikers
Like the midfield, with limited available options it would be a surprise to see changes, even with the purpose of freshening up the team slightly. Ruel Sotiriou and Chris Martin combined wonderfully against Bolton with Bristol Rovers and Martin’s second goal of the night well-crafted by Sotiriou after good work from Kofi Shaw that must also be mentioned.
Martin’s involvement in the starting lineup was a surprise considering that the message from Inigo Calderon after the Huddersfield game was that the 36-year-old probably wasn’t going to make it in time.
Like Romaine Sawyers, Gatlin O’Donkor is close to a return by the sounds of things but this weekend sounds slightly too early. Meanwhile, Michael Reindorf is still struggling to make the matchday 18 with 17-year-old Ollie Dewsbury fancied ahead of the Cardiff City loanee in the last two games.
It would be a surprise to see both manage to last the full 90 minutes after big shifts lately but it’s the obvious strike partnership.
Bristol Rovers XI: Jed Ward; James Wilson, Connor Taylor, Sil Swinkels; Jack Hunt, Matt Butcher, Taylor Moore, Clinton Mola; Kofi Shaw; Ruel Sotiriou, Chris Martin