A blustery Eco-Power on a bright January afternoon provided the backdrop for the meeting with promotion hopefuls Plymouth Argyle. Several player arrivals in the week, along with the departure of Omar Bogle, meant the Rovers faithful were in a more positive mood going into the fixture.
That attitude was seemingly justified by the start Rovers made, as the first ten minutes welcomed some great chances, culminating in a great move finished off by Branden Horton for 1-0 after Tommy Rowe’s shot on goal was only half cleared away from danger. After a strong opening 15 minutes from the home side, Argyle started to make an impression and made their way forward. They equalised just after 20 minutes when former Rovers loanee Niall Ennis made a good run down the by-line to supply a tap-in for Luke Jephcott from close range.
Although Rovers played considerably more positively, and created great chances (leaving most questioning how we weren’t ahead), an all too familiar outcome eventually transpired. The visitors were ultimately more clinical, and second half goals via a Joe Edwards free header and a smart finish by substitute Jordan Garrick handed Plymouth a 3-1 win.
Although Argyle are chasing promotion, Rovers were arguably the better team and didn’t deserve to come away from this without any points – not a statement I’ve been able to make often this season. A welcome sign of some fight, and better things to come, for the latter half of the season.
by Adam Bates
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