Rovers travelled to Bury, with the season panning out to be one of consistent inconsistency. In their ‘win-one lose-one’ sequence Rovers were due a victory. Following last week’s debacle, anything else would prompt serious questions.
The game began in heavy rain and swirling wind, which didn’t relent all afternoon. To be charitable to the players, the conditions didn’t help flowing football, but what was offered up was poor; both sides clearly lacking in confidence and unable to string anything together.
On the stroke of half-time the game changed. A straight red for Bury’s centre-half for hauling down John Marquis on the edge of the box. No complaints and Rovers went into the break confident they could get something out of the game against ten men.
Things did not improve markedly. Whilst Rovers dominated possession, much of the play was side-wards and backwards and when they did get close to goal there seemed a reluctance to shoot. The introduction of Andy Williams, two up front and things started to happen. Williams could have had three – with one miss, an empty net from four yards out that will surely make the TV bloopers reel – but his presence caused panic and eventually, with ten minutes to go, Ben Whiteman took advantage to score though a crowd of players.
A hard fought and deserved three points, but coming against a poor ten man Bury team this was no return to form. Next up for Rovers defeat to Ebbsfleet in the FA Cup.
by Neil Allen
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