Rovers Open With A Defeat, Again!
Bristol Rovers opened the League One season with a 2-0 defeat away at Blackpool.
It probably came as no surprise to Gasheads as Rovers have only managed one win on the opening day of the season in the last 10 seasons. It could have been so much different though if Ollie Clarkes 8th minute strike hadn't hit the post.
Last season top scorer Johnson Clarke-Harris was left out of the squad as Manager Graham Coughlin judged him to be not ready for match action. Summer signing Anssi Jaakkola who was making his League debut would have hoped for a better start as it was his rash challenge as he came out for a cross that gave Blackpool a penalty which was slotted home by Jay Spearing.
Rovers were looking a little punchless up top with the absence of Clarke-Harris and just minutes into the start of the second half it was 2-0 to Blackpool, Armand Gnanduillet headed home Spearing's diagonal cross.
Rovers did have a spell on top, but couldn't find the finishing touch, Liam Sercombe saw his shot sail over. Ollie Clarke also saw a shot go over the bar, but Rovers were unlucky not to pull a goal back when the lively sub Tyler Smith headed against the post.
Next up for Rovers is Wycombe Wanderers at The Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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