Bristol Rovers

Trollope says Rovers deserved win
Boss Paul Trollope feels Bristol Rovers deserved their 2-0 win against Wycombe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. \"We were disappointed with ourselves on Saturday, but in this game we had more of a cutting edge,\" said Trollope. \"We had some decent play round their penalty area and in the end I think we ran out deserved winners. \"To move into the next round is pleasing, but it's a big week for us and now need to prepare in the right way to beat Mansfield on Saturday.\"

Bristol Rovers v Mansfield
Bristol Rovers have doubts over defenders Steve Elliott and Aaron Lescott. Elliot has an ankle injury, while Lescott has a hamstring strain. Jamal Easter could replace Lewis Haldane after the on-loan Cardiff striker marked his full debut with a goal in the 2-0 win over Wycombe. Mansfield may keep faith with Rory Boulding and Chris Beardsley, who impressed in the cup win over Grimsby. Goalkeeper Carl Muggleton and defender Jon-Olav Hjelde are expected to return.

Bristol Rovers 1-0 Mansfield
Craig Disley headed an 87th-minute winner to secure victory for Bristol Rovers in an uneventful encounter. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to meet Sammy Igoe's chip into the box and head past keeper Carl Muggleton. Manfield's John Mullins wasted the best opportunity of the first half when he fired over in stoppage time. After the interval Mansfield substitute Michael Boulding forced an excellent save from keeper Steve Phillips before Disley settled things late on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bristol Rovers: Phillips, Ryan Green, Anthony, Elliott, Carruthers, Igoe, Campbell, Disley, Sandell (Haldane 53), Richard Walker, Easter (Rigg 53). Subs Not Used: Mike Green, Hinton, Lescott. Booked: Haldane, Elliott. Goals: Disley 87. Mansfield: Muggleton, Mullins, Hjelde, Baptiste, Jelleyman, Hamshaw (Buxton 86), D'Laryea, Dawson, Coke (Lloyd 64), Barker, Reet (Michael Boulding 46). Subs Not Used: White, Beardsley. Booked: Reet. Att: 5,044 Ref: C Penton (Sussex).

Barrow v Bristol Rovers
Barrow will have to do without former Crewe youngster Kyle Wilson, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury. Recent signing Dave Bayliss is unavailable having already played in the FA Cup for Lancaster City. Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert is in the squad after making a recent return to action after injury. Rovers have been granted permission from Cardiff for on-loan striker Jamal Easter to feature but keeper Mike Green is cup-tied.

FA to rule over Bristol cup dates
The Football Association is set to rule over which of the two Bristol clubs will play their FA Cup second round tie on Saturday, 2 December. City were drawn at home to Gillingham, with Rovers hosting Bournemouth - but local police will not allow both clubs to stage home games on the same day. The two clubs are unable to agree on whose turn it is to have \"first pick\" to stage their game on Saturday. It means the FA's competitions committee will have to arbitrate. Rovers have pointed out that City were given first choice over potential first-round replay dates. \"City chose Tuesday, so as far as we are concerned, it is now our turn to choose,\" director of administration Rod Wesson told the Western Daily Press. But City feel no advantage was gained, as in the event, neither club needed a replay to book their place in round two. Their chief executive Colin Sexstone added: \"The last time there was a clash like this was back in November 2004 when we decided to play on a Friday night and allow Rovers to play on Saturday. By my reckoning, that means it is our turn to choose.\" Both Bristol clubs have midweek games in the preceding and subsequent weeks.

Pirates land Baggies' Nicholson
Bristol Rovers have signed teenage West Brom striker Stuart Nicholson on loan. Nicholson, 19, will spend a month at the Memorial Stadium but will not be allowed to play in the FA Cup second round tie against Bournemouth. His three appearances for Albion this season have brought two goals, but Baggies boss Tony Mowbray wants him to gain first-team football elsewhere. Mowbray told Albion's website: \"He needs League experience, hopefully he'll return pushing for a place.\"

Campbell backed as Rovers captain
Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope has said that midfielder Stuart Campbell is likely to remain as team captain for the foreseeable future. Campbell has taken the armband in recent games, while former skipper James Hunt is on the transfer list. \"Stuart has been in fantastic form. His confidence has grown and he is leading the team very well at the minute,\" Trollope told his club's website. \"He is captain at this moment in time, and that will continue next week.\"

Trollope looking to offload Hunt
Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope is desperate to offload James Hunt before Thursday's deadline for loan signings. Midfielder Hunt has been told he no longer has a future with the Pirates after falling out with Trollope. And the Rovers boss said: \"James Hunt's situation is still ongoing and I would like it to be concluded. \"I'm not saying we'll definitely bring someone in if he goes, but it's a situation that needs to be sorted out and the sooner the better.\"

Rovers extend Nicholson loan deal
Bristol Rovers have extended West Brom striker Stuart Nicholson's loan stay at the Memorial Stadium. The 19-year-old joined Rovers on 16 November and was due to return to The Hawthorns after Saturday's League Two game against Swindon Town. But following talks between the two clubs and Nicholson, the loan will be extended to the maximum three months. The new deal will carry a recall clause allowing the Baggies to bring Nicholson back with 24 hours notice. Nicholson has scored two goals in five games for Rovers.

Swindon v Bristol Rovers
Swindon striker Royce Brownli will have a late fitness test as he looks to shake off a leg injury - and is likely to be on the bench if he is fit. Fellow frontman Lee Peacock (shoulder) and midfielder Andy Caton (hamstring) are also ruled out. Loan striker Stuart Nicholson returns to the Bristol Rovers squad after being ineligible for Tuesday's FA Cup second round replay win over Bournemouth. Craig Hinton replaces the suspended Byron Anthony in defence.

Hereford 0-0 Bristol Rovers
Hereford and Bristol Rovers contested a goalless draw in front of 5,201 - the best crowd at Edgar Street this season. Bulls striker Alan Connell was twice denied by Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips, who saved an attempted lob and later a shot from a corner. Rovers almost scored but Hereford goalkeeper Wayne Brown saved headers from Steve Elliott and Bryon Anthony. Brown also stopped a Ricky Lambert shot while Rovers' Chris Carruthers blocked a dipping shot from Andy Ferrell. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hereford: Brown, Mkandawire, Gulliver, Rose, McClenahan, Webb, Purdie, Ferrell, Travis, Sills, Connell (Fleetwood 69). Subs Not Used: Thompson, Sheldon, Giles, Jeannin. Bristol Rovers: Phillips, Ryan Green, Anthony, Elliott, Carruthers, Igoe, Disley, Campbell, Sandell (Haldane 73), Nicholson (Lambert 78), Walker. Subs Not Used: Lescott, Hinton, Lines. Att: 5,201 Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).

Trollope hopeful on Rigg return
Bristol Rovers coach Paul Trollope says he is hopeful striker Sean Rigg will be playing soon after a spell on the sidelines with a broken jaw. Rigg was left with the injury after being hit by Barrow's James Cotterill during Rovers' 3-2 FA Cup win over the Conference North side in November. \"For the first week or two since the injury, Sean didn't do much,\" Trollope told Rovers' official website. \"But he's been back with the group doing more or less full training.\"

Bristol Rovers v Torquay
Bristol Rovers will be without Byron Anthony who has strained his knee ligaments and could be out for weeks. Two players who could be included are Lewis Haldane and Sean Rigg, who has recovered from a fractured cheekbone. Torquay are waiting to see if Kevin Hill can shake off a thigh injury, sustained at the weekend, in time to start as left-back against Rovers. Lee Thorpe could return to Torquay's attack after missing the last two defeats with a hamstring problem.

Trollope eyes play-off challenge
Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope believes the win at Wycombe can act as a launchpad for a late play-off bid. After the 1-0 victory at Adams Park, Trollope told Rovers' website: "If we produce seven more performances like that we've got a chance. "The lads covered a lot of miles and a lot of them were out on their feet at the end, it was a very tough game. "We were resilient and strong and defended well and we're very happy with the three points."

Trollope proud despite cup defeat
Boss Paul Trollope hailed Bristol Rovers' fighting spirit after they lost 3-2 to Doncaster in extra time in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. Rovers were 2-0 down after five minutes and Trollope said: "It was bitterly disappointing to lose those goals so early and in the manner we did. "We had plenty of time to respond and I am delighted with the way we did that. "But it took a lot out of us and maybe affected our energy in extra time. But we can take a lot of pride out of it." Trollope added: "We have confidence in our own ability and we know we have players who can hurt the opposition. "We played with a good tempo to get back into the game. We can take a lot of positives from the game."

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