JACK fm: Bristol's Sport

Bristol City v Bristol Rovers

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:24 +0100

Testimonial match for Louis Carey announced.

The derby match will be the first between the two sides since 2007 and will be played at Ashton Gate as a celebration of the club captain's service over the past 17 years of his professional career.

He is currently the club's second highest appearance holder with 625 and is poised to sign a new one year contract.

The match will take place on Saturday 4th August.

Jon Lansdown, the club's managing director of football said:

"This is a great chance for all supporters to show their appreciation for what Louis has done for this football club and at a rare Bristol derby match to boot. It should be a great occasion for all concerned."

Bristol City Chairman Steps Down

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:51:59 +0100

The Chairman of Bristol City has confirmed that he'll be stepping down.

63 year old Colin Sexstone will leave the role at the end of this month to explore other career paths.

According to the club's website, Mr Sexstone said: "It has been a huge pleasure and privilege to work for Bristol City FC over the last 11 and a half years and I wish the club every success in the future."

He will be replaced by Keith Dawe when he steps down from the role on May 31st.

Listen to our reporter Roz Hutchings' full interview with Colin Sexstone:

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Bath's Amy Williams Retires

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:31:04 +0100

The British Olympic skeleton bobsleigh champion has announced her retirement from the sport.

Amy says she's had to call time on her career at the age of 29 after being troubled by injuries.

She won Team GB's only gold medal at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

After the news was announced she used her Twitter account to thank people for their continued support over the years: "Thank's everyone for ur kind words,its been a tough decision but its time to move on to the next adventure of life! Thanks for the support."

Derek McInnes Rumoured For West Brom Job

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:37:15 +0100

Bristol City Boss Derek McInnes is being considered for the role of Manager at West Bromwich Albion, if their current boss Roy Hodgson takes the England Job.

The Club's Chairman says he's got a few names in mind, after positive talks between Hodgson and the FA, yesterday.

But the Bristol City Boss used to be a skipper for the side, so he's already got links with the team.

The rumours have come on the same day that McInnes has to confirm which players will leave the club as their contracts end in the Summer.

Bristol Rovers 2 - 2 Gillingham

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:58:09 +0100

Mark McGhee admits that draw with Gillingham feels more like a defeat after his side took a 2-1 lead in the game.

The visitors scored late on to equalise and share the points with Rovers. It was a game marred by two penalty decisions, but of which the manager did not agree with.

McGhee said: "It is another example of a draw that feels like a defeat.

"At 2-1 we expect to see the game out and the second goal was a huge disappointment, but it is one of those things I cannot really blame on anyone it was just one of those freaky goals.

"We weren't quite set for it and it bounced and he's hit it.

"The first penalty was such a ludicrous decision. The lineman gave it and it was nothing like a penalty. That was really disappointing, but to come back from that, dig in and get 2-1 ahead showed again how far we have come.

"I cannot understand why we were not given one, the referee said Matt went down too easily, but I felt it was like assault, and I don't think they would have argued at all had that been given. Ultimately we have not lost the game because of that."

Although the manager admits that the pitch is a disappointment, he knows that everything is being done to make it playable and his side just have to get on with things.

He said: "The pitch is a huge handicap to us at the moment, but we cannot do anything about it. We scored two goals on it and we have not been beaten again, so we have to get on with it.

"I think we owe Gillingham an apology for asking them to come here and play on that pitch.

"We have got plans for the pitch, we are digging it up in the summer and by next season we will have a good pitch.

"Our groundsman was here until 1am last night working on the pitch and we cannot do any more to it to try and give it some sort of integrity."

Rovers made three reasonably early substitutions in the game, Jim Paterson and Danny Woodards both coming off with injury problems and Chris Zebroski brought off for tactical reasons.

Mark said: "Jim had a funny one, he was short of breath. At first we thought it was because he broke his nose, but it was not that, he just couldn't get air so we took him off.

"Danny Woodards ricked his neck and he wanted to give it a try in the second half, but he couldn't raise his head to head the ball, so we had to bring him off.

"I felt that Chris Zebroski was struggling on that pitch in particular, as that sort of pitch does not help him, so we changed it at half time."

The manager says that he was impressed with Eliot Richard's impact on the game after coming on at half time, but he says the youngster has to learn to defend better.

He said: "Eliot was complicit in both our goals, but I asked him to do a job on the opposite full back, which is an important part of the way we play, and the strikers know my feelings on it, but he let the boy get in and he ended up scoring a goal.

"Luckily for him he made amends by scoring a terrific goal. It is something he is going to have to learn, that he has to do a job going the other direction as well."

But the manager has been very pleased with the recent form of Scott Bevan who made a terrific penalty save in this game.

Mark said: "I think Bev has been absolutely terrific. When we lost Michael Poke we knew we had lost a good goalie, but the big man has stepped up to the plat and I think he has been fantastic.

"And I look forward to him retaining the number one place. He takes pressure off coming for crosses, makes himself a big target for shots, kicks the ball really well and I am delighted with him."

Now the manager will take stock going into Monday's game against Crewe.

"We will come in in the morning, train and take stock of how everyone is. Muzzy finished the game with a bit of a recurrence of what he had last week, so it will be interesting to see if he makes it for Monday.

"Paterson and Woodards are obviously struggling, but other people are going to get their chance. "

Nottingham Forest v Bristol City

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:14:03 +0100

Derek McInnes is under no illusions as to the importance of the Easter weekend in shaping City's season.

Derek's side currently occupy the final spot in the Championship relegation zone, one point behind Coventry, who City face on Easter Monday in front of an expected Ashton Gate sell-out.

But before that, Derek takes his team to Nottingham Forest tomorrow - another rival within catching distance just above the dotted line, and the Scot admits the next two results could have a huge bearing on which division City will compete in next season.

"Our season has come down to these six games and this weekend will have a big part to play in that," Derek said.

"They are two massive games for us, and two games we should really relish and look forward to, because we've still got that control over our own destiny and an opportunity to make things better.

"I remember playing at West Brom when it was a really pivotal weekend, but in terms of a relegation fight it's not something I've been involved in too often and don't particularly want to get involved in again. But we are in it and we've got games to win.

"We are well aware of what's at stake and we don't need to keep being reminded. Over the last six games there has been a lot of concern and doom and gloom, and it's important we get some positivity back.

"Those results in isolation have not been not too bad, but the next six games we've got to really up the ante and try and drive home results. More is required and we'll keep trying to get that from the lads - we need some big performances."

"If we can get two wins back to back then all of a sudden things are looking a lot brighter."

Tomorrow's game at the City Ground (5.20pm) will be televised live on Sky Sports. The hosts have taken eight points from their last four matches, a run that has pulled Forest six points clear of safety, and Derek is expecting another tight contest after the teams played out a goalless draw at Ashton Gate back in December.

He said: "Forest will be tough opposition. They've got themselves away from the relegation zone of late and they won't be playing with the same pressure that we'll be under, but we played them here a few months back and there was not a lot between the two sides."

The City boss also declared his delight at the rate of tickets being snapped up for the Coventry clash, with Ashton Gate set to be packed to the rafters for potentially the club's biggest game of recent times.

Derek added: "It's fantastic news and it shows that nobody's given up on them. They want to see a winning team here and they want to see Championship football here again next season, and the players will be boosted by that.

"If we can get two wins back to back then all of a sudden things are looking a lot brighter."

Bristol Rovers v Gillingham

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:09:32 +0100

Manager says he's in confident mood ahead of clash today at the Mem.

The squad go in to the Easter weekend hoping to notch back to back victories as straight after the Good Friday clash with the Gills, focus will then be switched to a tricky away game against Crewe Alexandra 72 hours later.

Mark McGhee knows his side will have to be mentally 'right' if they hope to come out of either game with 3 points and understands that his charges are obliged to try and win the game, despite being safely situated in mid-table.

He said: "I think it's important we're right because the teams around them will look at results and will want to know that they've been involved in competitive games.

"We have a responsibility to keep our run of form going and get as many points on board as we can before the end of the season."

Ahead of the match with Gillingham the Rovers manager is anticipating an open game with the visitors in desperate need of a win to maintain their play-off bid.

"I think it could be an attacking game because if they lose then a couple of sides could get above them. If they need 7 points from five games to go it starts to get too many and they then need to win two more games than the others and that becomes a big ask.

"It's coming down to the wire now and teams will start to fall away and its at places like The Mem where that can happen, so they'll come here looking to get out the blocks quickly."

McGhee knows that the Gills won't be complacent and will be fully aware of what to expect from a rejuvenated Rovers side. "They will be up against a team that is determined and are in good form, so they won't be taken by surprise and I think they'll come prepared for that."

The Rovers manager is concentrating on his side and how they play as opposed to concerning himself too much with the opposition, but he's confident that come kick-off his side will know everything they need to be aware of.

"We've got the match reports and I saw them a couple of weeks ago myself. They're one of these teams that have had 4-3s and other high-scoring games this season so you don't always know what to expect from them, but certainly on their day they can score goals.

"Defensively we'll have to be right and then after that we'll see what we can do going forward."

McGhee made no secret of his disappointment that the influential Mustapha Carayol had to be withdrawn at Swindon on Saturday but he hopes to have the winger back tomorrow.

"He'll train today having not trained so far this week. He's done a little bit with Phil Kite yesterday and seemed to come through it with no problem, so if he's had no reaction he'll be available."

The manager also explained that he'll be making the most of all his squad over the course of the weekend to ensure players are fully fit when out on the pitch, with the only absentee being Adam Virgo who is still recovering from his long-term knee injury.

"I will certainly look to utilise the squad as I have been doing already. The players have had a long season psychologically because of everything that has happened to them with the disappointment that followed the early expectation and the change in manager.

"I have to appreciate that and use all the players because with the anxiety and pressure on their shoulders to impress, particularly those out of contract, we need to in order to maintain performance levels."

Beyond the final 6 games of the League Two season, attention now begins to turn to the summer and the decisions that will need to be made in terms of personnel.

"There's certainly not going to be wholesale changes and there doesn't need to be with the form we've been in. If you could say to me today that on the 18th of August you've got all the players available to you tomorrow, I'd say yes and I'd go forward with that.

"It won't be like that as players are out of contract, there are players on loan and another one or two that would have to be sacrificed in order to make way for others. Certainly there's no feeling in my head that I have to make wholesale changes here."

Match report courtesy of Bristol Rovers FC.

Tickets Sales High For Bristol City Clash

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:55:23 +0100

Highest crowd of season expected at Ashton Gate for crucial match.

Bristol City say tickets are selling fast for their match against Coventry City at Ashton Gate on Monday.

Prices were slashed for the game this week, which is seen as the club's most important of the season against their fellow relegation strugglers.

The Sky Blues have already snapped up their allocation of 2,300 for the game.

Manager Derek McInnes says: "I hope this is a rallying call for the people of Bristol to get right behind the club for such an important game.

Our focus is on the Forest game but we can't underestimate how big the Coventry fixture will be on Easter Monday."

City have also cut the price of a season ticket to keep their fans at the club.

Four Players Commit Futures To Bristol

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:18:49 +0100

Three key players sign new deals but Fatialofa heads back to New Zealand.

Fautua Otto, Mariano Sambucetti, Dan Montagu and Rhys Lawrence will remain at the Memorial Stadium after agreeing new deals with the Club.

Head Coach Liam Middleton believes the retention of the quartet is a massive boost to the playing squad.

"We’re delighted that these players want to stay with us,” he added. "Having the right characters on and off the field is key to the success of Bristol Rugby.

"Tua, Mariano, Dan and Rhys have all contributed to the team this season. They are very ambitious and realize that this Club is moving in the right direction.”

Bristol Rugby fought off the attentions of several Aviva Premiership clubs to secure Fautua Otto’s signature.

The Samoan centre, who joined in November 2011, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the RFU Championship – scoring 9 tries in 17 appearances so far this season.

Lock Mariano Sambucetti is one of the longest-serving players in the current squad. A firm fan’s favourite, the Argentinian international has amassed 127 first team appearances in seven years at the Memorial Stadium.

Dan Montagu joined Bristol at the beginning of the 2009/10 season, appearing for the first team 79 times. Renowned for his physicality and handling skills, the imposing No.8 has impressed since his return from injury.

Rhys Lawrence was one of Liam Middleton’s first signings at the start of the campaign. The hooker, who has represented Wales U20s, made an immediate impact with his powerful ball-carrying ability and tireless defensive work.

Meanwhile, Junior Fatialofa is returning to New Zealand for personal reasons.

Essex v Gloucestershire

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:24:53 +0100

Bristol side travel to Chelmsford for Day 1 in the County Championship.

Gloucestershire CCC face Essex this morning on the first day of the County Championship season in Division Two.

One player who won't be taking part today is Kane Williamson who is returning to the club as overseas player for the first part of the coming season and will be replaced by another New Zealander for the second half of the campaign.

The young Kiwi proved a popular member of the dressing room last season and averaged 36 in 23 County Championship innings, which yielded 831 runs.

Kane was also a regular in 40-over and Twenty20 cricket for Gloucestershire in 2011 and since then has boosted his international career in all formats.

He will not be available for the first three Championship games of this season, but is schduled to arrive in time for the first four-day home game against Glamorgan, starting on April 26.

Kane should be here for most, if not all, of Gloucestershire's T20 campaign, before leaving to take part in New Zealand's tour to West Indies.

Under an agreement with the New Zealand Cricket Board, another highly-rated young Kiwi player will then be sent over to replace him.

Gloucestershire's Director of Cricket John Bracewell siad: "I'm delighted Kane is retuning and only wish we had him straight away for our opening three Championship fixtures.

"He is taking an enforced holiday because of the amount of cricket he has been playing for New Zealand, but we will have him for the T20 as well as some four-day games and he proved a very good fit in our dressing room last season.

"Since then he has developed in all three formats of the game for the New Zealand side and that reflects great credit on him, as well as showing the benefit of his time with us.

"When Kane leaves the probability is that we shall get another New Zealand contracted player, but one who hasn't made the tour party to West Indies."

Skipper Alex Gidman also welcomed news of Kane's return. "He was a really good addition to the squad last year and is a class act, who has obviously improved this winter, as his century against South Africa proved.

"I see his arrival as a bonus because we already have a very talented pool of players. It may be a relatively small and young squad, but I am excited by the ability within it.

"Kane has a great work ethic. He wants to bat for as long as he can and score as many runs as possible and that rubbed off on all of us last summer."

Chief Executive Tom Richardson added: "Kane will fit in seamlessly. He contributed a lot off the field as well as on it last year and on the back of his hundred against South Africa and some great catches we will be delighted to see him back."

A spokesman for New Zealand Cricket said: "We are pleased to again have the opportunity to work with Gloucestershire to develop our next generation of international cricketers.

"This partnership provides New Zealanders with the opportunity to play in and experience the pressures of a world class competition on a day to day basis, which can only assist them in transition to becoming successful international players."

Somerset v Middlesex

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:19:15 +0100

Start of County Championship for Somerset as they entertain Middlesex on Day 1.

Somerset will kick of their championship campaign at the County Ground in Taunton this morning.

South African bowling star Vernon Philander arrived at the ground earlier this week to help the team to silverwear this season.

Philander said: "It's good to be here in Taunton, although a bit cold after the summer we have had back home."

For a full score update, check out

Swindon Town 0 - 0 Bristol Rovers

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:12:43 +0100

Rovers returned home from Swindon with hard earned point after a battling team performance.

Although the home side enjoyed a great deal of possession, they seldom troubled goalkeeper Scott Bevan in the whole ninety minutes.

Their best chance of taking all three points came just before half time when Alan Connell hit the crossbar, but other than that they were stifled by a resolute Rovers outfit who were determined not to lose.

Manager Mark McGhee made four changes to his starting lineup, with Tom Parkes, Mustapha Carayol, Chris Zebroski and Matt Gill all returning. This meant that Michael Smith, Lee Brown, Eliot

Richards and Andy Dorman, all of who started against Aldershot, were left out.

Richards was left out of the squad altogether while the other three were on the bench.

Gary Sawyer started on the left side of midfield, with Jim Paterson reverting to left back to accommodate the return of Parkes, while Carayol played on the right of midfield allowing Matt Lund to partner Gill in the centre of midfield with a front two of Zebroski and Matt Harrold.

The home side were out of the blocks quickly and created the first opportunity of the game, but Jonathan Smith's shot was straight at Scott Bevan who saved comfortably.

Matt Ritchie then hit a shot wide of the mark as Swindon continued playing at a high tempo, backed by a very vocal home crowd.

There was little respite for an overworked Rovers back line and Bevan saved another effort from Alan Connell who hit another shot high over the bar moments later.

Danny Woodards then made an overlapping run down the right and when he received a pass from Mustapha Carayol he drilled a shot towards goal that was deflected behind for a corner.

Matt Gill took the corner kick and Zebroski headed over.

At the other end Tom Parkes gave away possession in his own area but Cian Biolger was on hand to clear the danger.

Ritchie hit another shot over the bar before Zebroski headed another corner from Gill straight at home keeper Wes Foderingham.

Connell hit a long range effort over the bar, but was then guilty of an amazing miss when he managed to hit the bar from four yards out and with Bevan out of position. Ritchie and Joe Devera had other opportunities to score before the break, but Rovers held out to remain on level terms.

Bevan saved Ronan Murray's header early in the second half before Connell broke through. However with only Bevan to beat he hit an angled drive straight at the keeper who touched the ball behind for a corner.

Rovers though gradually began to get forward themselves and Zebroski hit a shot over the bar before Danny Woodards headed straight at Foderingham from Gill's corner.

Zebroski hit another effort straight at Foderingham, but the home side went close when substitute Raffael De Vita saw his effort land on top of the net and Benson headed wide under pressure from Cian Bolger.

Rovers, though, finished the game strongly and Andy Dorman, on as a substitute for Zebroski, set up Harrold, who hit a strong shot straight at Foderingham.

The substitute then went close with two efforts of his own which were just wide of the target as Rovers finished the game strongly.

Rovers: Scott Bevan, Danny Woodards, Cian Bolger, Tom Parkes, Jim Paterson, Mustapha Carayol (Michael Smith, 46) Matt Lund, Matt Gill, Gary Sawye (Lee Brown 68), Matt Harrold, Chris Zebroski (Andy Dorman, 76)

Substitutes: Craig Stanley, Aaron Downes

Yellow Cards: Bolger, Paterson

Swindon: Wes Foderingham, Joe Devera, Alan McCormack, Aden Flint, Jay McEveley, Matt Ritchie (Luke Rooney, 59), Simon Ferry, Jonathan Smith, Lee Holmes, Alan Connell (Paul Benson, 61), Ronan Murray (Raffael De Vitya, 72)

Substitutes: Oliver Risser, John Bostock

Referee: Kevin Friend

Attendance: 9,645

Rovers Supporters: 1,138

Match report courtesy of Bristol Rovers FC.

Bristol City 1 - 1 Derby County

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:09:55 +0100

Pitman helps City win point with spectacular second half strike.

Brett Pitman was the Ashton Gate saviour again, but City had to settle for a point against Championship play-off chasers Derby County.

The striker came off the bench after 72 minutes and immediately cancelled out Craig Bryson's first-half opener with a spectacular equalising goal.

Both teams pushed for a winner, while City were also left aggrieved as penalty appeals either side of half-time were turned down by the man in the middle.

City welcomed back Cole Skuse from a six-week lay off with a toe injury in place of the suspended Ryan McGivern, with Richard Foster switching to left-back.

It was the only change made by City boss Derek McInnes from his side who returned from their longest away trip of the season with a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough last time out.

Cole Skuse returned to the City starting line-up after six weeks out of the side in Derek McInnes' only change

The hosts started brightly, with Albert Adomah cutting inside and shooting straight at Derby keeper Frank Fielding before Neil Kilkenny's goalbound volley was blocked.

Derby finally arrived in the contest in the 19th minute, when Theo Robinson broke free only to shoot tamely at Dean Gerken, before the visitors took the lead against the run of play from their next attack.

Jeff Hendrick's run down the left found the onrushing Bryson, who finished neatly into the bottom corner for his first goal since the reverse fixture at Pride Park in December.

Spurred on by a sense of injustice having controlled much of the opening exchanges, City responded well and should have had a penalty when Jake Buxton's raised hand made contact with Jon Stead's sweet volley inside the box.

Moments later, Hogan Ephraim's half-cleared corner fell to Adomah 20 yards out, who shifted the ball back on to his right foot only to clear the crossbar with his eventual shot.

But City were soon thankful to the assistant referee for flagging Derby's Steve Davies offside when his header squirmed through Gerken's legs from Ben Davies' free kick, before another set-piece ended up at the feet of Bryson, whose curling effort was only narrowly wide.

Louis Carey overcomes City team-mate Kalifa Cisse and Derby's Steve Davies to head the ball clear

City started well after the interval, as Adomah came close to an equaliser again with a looping header on to the top of the Derby net from Skuse's first-time cross.

Steve Davies again came close to a second for Derby but rattled the post from an acute angle, as the visitors continued to threaten on the counter attack.

But 16 minutes from time, just two minutes after coming on for home debutant Ephraim, Pitman equalised in spectacular fashion.

With Adomah in possession down the right flank, Pitman opted to hold his position on the edge of the Derby penalty area, rather than attempt to find space in the box. When Adomah cut the ball back, the striker showed exactly why with a superb curling finish arcing over Bywater into the far corner.

Suddenly City had all the momentum, and soon had another penalty appeal turned down when Pitman was clearly pushed by Tom Naylor with his back to goal.

McInnes' anger spilled over as the manager vacated his technical area in frustration - his side simply were not getting the big decisions in their favour.

At the other end, City were indebted to Gerken for turning aside Hendrick's rising drive before Ben Davies was off target in a frantic finish.

Match report courtesy of BCFC.

Swindon v Bristol Rovers

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:23:27 +0100

Gas boss says team has "nothing to lose" at the County Ground.

With the Robins flying high, Mark McGhee says: "I have had success there over the years and good experience at Swindon. It is a place I enjoy going. It has the makings of a great game, we have nothing to lose, so we can go there and have a real go at trying to win the game.

I think they will be promoted regardless of what happens on Saturday, they have done brilliantly.

After resting a number of players on Tuesday night, his squad goes into the game almost fully fit.

Gary Sawyer got through the full 90 minutes on his return from injury, while Aaron Downes claimed a spot on the bench.

Bristol City v Derby County

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:21:14 +0100

Both teams desperate to win Ashton Gate clash this afternoon.

The Rams currently sit five points off the play-offs with seven games remaining, while just a point separates City and the drop-zone.

Derek McInnes is predicting a fast and furious encounter.

He said: "Derby are one of a number of teams who will feel they have an outside chance of the play-off.s

It will be tough and we're expecting a competitive encounter with both teams going for the win."

Liam Fontain and Ryan McGivern are both suspended and Stephen McManus has returned to Middlesbrough.

Cole Skuse could return to the squad after a six week spell on the sidelines with a broken and dislocated toe.

Bristol Rugby 19 - 19 Nottingham

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:12:39 +0100

Stalemate for Bristol in the Championship play-offs.

Bristol Rugby were held to a 19-19 draw with Nottingham at the Memorial Stadium on Friday evening.

Will Helu’s first half try had given the hosts a ten-point lead, but Sione Kalamafoni’s score after the break and a James Arlidge penalty goal leveled the scores.

Bristol controlled the opening exchanges and, backed by a raucous home crowd, took the lead inside five minutes courtesy of Matthew Jones’ well-struck penalty goal.

Nottingham drew level with three points from the boot of James Arlidge before Matthew Jones converted from the angle as the hosts regained a 6-3 advantage.

Liam Middleton’s side probed for an opening but a combination of stubborn defending and handling errors saw several chances go begging. In a fiercely contested first period, the two fly-halves traded penalties as Bristol moved into a 9-6 lead.

The Green and Whites came close to crossing the whitewash soon after when Alex Lewington darted down the outside channel, only for the winger to be catapulted into touch by Iain Grieve.

And it was the skipper who created Bristol’s first try of the evening, crashing his way through two defenders on his way to the line. As the ball squirmed loose at the resulting breakdown, Will Helu was on hand to burrow over for a converted try.

Matthew Jones had a chance to push Bristol further ahead before the half-time break, but his fifty metre effort drifted wide as the sides turned around at 16-6.

But Nottingham forced their way back into the game early in the second half when Sione Kalamafoni touched down after a strong surge from the visiting pack.

Matthew Jones had an immediate opportunity to give the home side some breathing space with a penalty opportunity, but the former Dragons man skewed his effort right of the target.

Jones did add a penalty in front of the posts moments later, but his opposite number Arlidge kept the visitors in touch with a long-range effort on the hour mark.

The Japan international ensured another tense finale when he landed a forty-five metre penalty goal to pull Nottingham back to 19-19. The visitors pushed forward in numbers and, after a lengthy delay for a James Merriman injury, Arlidge could have snatched victory but he failed with his drop-goal attempt in the dying seconds.

Bristol Rugby:

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, Will Helu; Matthew Jones, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Jason Harris-Wright, Jason Hobson, Glen Townson, Roy Winters, Iain Grieve (c), James Merriman, Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Ross Johnston (for Jason Harris-Wright, 58 mins), Wayne Thompson (for Jason Hobson, 59 mins), Mark Lilley (for Mark Irish, 67 mins), Ben Glynn (for Glen Townson, 67 mins), Henry Vanderglas (for James Merriman, 80 mins), Tom Slater, Matty James.

Nottingham:

David Jackson; Alex Lewington, Andrew Forsyth, Juan Socino, Andy Savage; James Arlidge, Sean Romans; Michael Holford, Joe Duffey, Ryan Bower, Calum Green, Nic Rouse, Sione Kalamafoni, Brent Wilson (c), Filipo Levi.

Replacements: Matt Holloway, Bren Prescott, Matt Parr (for Michael Holford, 46 mins), Alex Shaw, Craig Hammond (for Calum Green, 61 mins), Finlay Barnham, Kieran Hallett (for Andy Forsyth, 80 mins).

Referee: Lyr Apgeraint-Roberts

Attendance: 7021

Nottingham 19 - 24 Bristol Rugby

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:34:42 +0100

Bristol hold on to secure a nailbiting win at Meadow Lane.

First half tries from Will Helu and Fautua Otto had seen the visitors race into an 18-0 lead, but the Green and Whites closed the gap after the break with Juan Socino’s intercept try and Matt Parr’s close–range effort.

Liam Middleton’s side, who had Iain Grieve and Glen Townson sin-binned in the second period, defended stoutly at the death to return to the top of Pool A.

It was the home side who seized the early initiative, Sione Kalamafoni testing the Bristol defence with a barnstorming charge through the midfield. But the visitors, who had little possession in the opening ten minutes, took the lead after a superb counter attack.

Matthew Jones pounced on a loose ball and darted eighty metres down the outside channel before offloading to Will Helu to score an unconverted try in the corner.

James Arlidge had an immediate opportunity to respond with a penalty opportunity, but the fly-half struck his effort wide of the upright. Bristol grew into the half and, after Matt Jones had slotted a three points, Fautua Otto pushed the visitors further ahead.

The Samoan scooped up the ball in midfield before accelerating through several defenders to score under the posts. Jones added the extras as Bristol moved into a 0-15 lead.

Matthew Jones extended the visitor’s advantage with a long-range penalty goal after Nottingham had been penalized for straying offside. The former Dragons man saw another penalty effort fade short before the hosts engineered a route back into the game with a well-worked try.

Tim Streather capitalized on James Arlidge’s intelligent break to cross for an unconverted score, reducing the arrears to 5-18 at the break.

Nottingham started the second half in determined fashion, putting pressure on Liam Middleton’s side from the restart. James Arlidge was unfortunate not to close the gap when he struck the post with a penalty attempt, but the Green and Whites did find a way back into the game soon after.

Juan Socino coasted in under the posts to score after intercepting Matt Jones’ pass. Arlidge converted to move the hosts within six points at 12-18. Bristol were reduced to fourteen men minutes later when Iain Grieve was sent to the sin-bin after an infringement at the breakdown.

Matthew Jones kicked Bristol’s first points of the second half with a fine penalty goal on the hour-mark and added another to provide a twelve-point cushion at 12-24.

Nottingham set up a nervy finish following the sin-binning of Glen Townson – Bristol’s second yellow card of the afternoon. Ruki Tipuna’s attempted clearance was charged down and replacement Matt Parr bundled over from close range. Arlidge added the conversion to put the home side within five points at 19-24, but Bristol held out to clinch a valuable away victory.

Nottingham:

David Jackson; Alex Lewington, Andy Forsyth, Juan Socino, Tim Streather; James Arlidge, Sean Romans; Michael Holford, Joe Duffey, Ryan Bower, Callum Green, Nic Rouse, Sione Kalamafoni, Brent Wilson (c), Filipo Levi.

Replacements: Matt Holloway, Matt Parr (for Michael Holford, 52 mins), Ben Prescott, Craig Hammond (for Filipo Levi, 67 mins), Alex Shaw (for Callum Green, 67 mins) Finlay Barnham, Kieran Hallett.

Bristol Rugby:

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, Will Helu; Matthew Jones, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Ross Johnston, Jason Hobson, Mariano Sambucetti, Roy Winters, Iain Grieve (c), Marco Mama, Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Jason Harris-Wright (for Ross Johnston, 63 mins), Wayne Thompson, Mark Lilley (for Mark Irish, 70 mins), Glen Townson (for Mariano Sambucetti, 48 mins), Josh Ovens (for Marco Mama, 45 mins), Tom Slater, Matty James.

Referee: Paul Knowles

Bristol Rovers 1 - 0 Southend

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 06:20:27 +0100

Late penalty seals win for the Gas.

Bristol Rovers pick up maximum points at the Memorial Stadium after Mustapha Carayol was judged to have been brought down in the box and Matt Harrold stepped up to take the spot kick and score his 14th goal of the season.

Earlier, manager Mark McGhee made one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Plymouth in midweek.

Matt Lund came into the team at the expense of Lee Brown who dropped to the bench.

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Bristol City

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 06:15:21 +0100

Robins pick up valuable point in their fight against relegation.

Derek McInnes heaped praise on his players after they secured back-to-back away draws at the Riverside Stadium.

Malaury Martin levelled the score with an equaliser after the break.

Ryan McGivern was dismissed 14 minutes from time but McInnes said the players dug deep and in terms of guts and determination, it was "top marks".

Nottingham v Bristol Rugby

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 11:10:24 +0000

Bristol travel to Meadow Lane looking to return to winning ways.

Bristol Rugby make two changes to the pack ahead of Sunday’s crucial RFU Championship play-off clash with Nottingham at Meadow Lane on Sunday (3pm KO).

Liam Middleton’s side, who drew 12-12 with London Welsh last weekend, are currently top Pool A with ten points ahead of the Exiles.

Jason Hobson returns to the front row in place of Wayne Thompson, while Darren Crompton replaces Mark Irish.

In the backline, Tristan Roberts recovers from a dead leg to form a familiar half-back partnership with Ruki Tipuna.

The replacements bench sees a four forwards and three backs split, with Rhys Lawrence and Mark Lilley included in the 22-man squad.

Bristol Rugby team to face Nottingham at Meadow Lane on Sunday 25th March (3pm KO):

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, Will Helu; Tristan Roberts, Ruki Tipuna; Darren Crompton, Ross Johnston, Jason Hobson, Glen Townson, Roy Winters, Josh Ovens, Marco Mama, Iain Grieve (c).

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Mark Lilley, Dan Montagu, Henry Vanderglas, Tom Slater, Matthew Jones, George Watkins.

Bristol Rovers v Southend

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 09:11:40 +0000

After mid-week draw, Gas determined to pick up maximum points at home.

After suffering a setback of a late Plymouth Argyle equaliser on Tuesday night, Rovers return to the Memorial Stadium for a home match against Southend.

With 39 away goals this season, the Shrimpers are the highest scoring team in the Division, but the Gas can take confidence from their current level of performance with 4 wins and 4 draws in their last 10 games.

Manager Mark McGhee reported a clean bill of health in the team. He added: "Everyone came through Tuesday without any problems but none of the long term injured players are ready to return."

Middlesbrough v Bristol City

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 09:04:46 +0000

McInnes admits Robins are underdogs going into Championship clash.

City travel to the Riverside Stadium still without a goal on their travels in 2012, but a goaless draw at Portsmouth last time out on the road does give the team something to build on away from Ashton Gate.

Middlesbrough currently occupy the last play-off place in the Championship table and will be odds-on favourites to take three points.

Derek McInnes said: "It's a tough game, they've got their own agenda in trying to get promotion and they've accumulated a squad that's capable of doing that."

Northampton Town 3 - Bristol Rovers 2

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:54:36 +0000

Manager Mark McGhee warned against underestimating bottom of the league Northampton Town - and he was right.

Earlier this week he even went as far to say it's important not to concede first.

But on the night it appears the players didn't take in that advice as they were 3 goals down within the first 20 minutes at Sixfields.

In the second half though they started to look a bit more promising and managed to score 2 goals thanks to Craig Stanley and Lee Brown.

Reports suggest they might have equalised as Northampton's defence was looking nervous when they were put under pressure but The Pirates ran out of time.

Bristol City 3 - Leicester City 2

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:50:07 +0000

In the first of two home games this week, City win 3 points.

The Robins are celebrating a stunning victory at Ashton Gate last night to move them 2 places above the relegation zone.

Manager Derek McInnes told the club's website he was delighted with the players' approach to the game.

The three points were secured in the 79th minute thanks to a goal from Jon Stead.

Bristol Rovers v Macclesefield Town

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:39:09 +0000

Mark McGhee has warned against under-estimating Macclesfield when they visit the Memorial Stadium this weekend.

The Silkmen are yet to win in 2012, but the manager knows that his team will have to be strong defensively to win the game.

Mark knows his team will need to get the balance right between being strong defensively and pushing forward to get that all important first goal.

He said: "You don't want a stand-off where we have so many bodies behind the ball to make sure that we don't concede and they do the same. We have to be prepared to take a risk to try and win the game, to come out a bit.

"Our shape has got to be right and our strategy has to cover both bases. Defensively we cannot be exposed; that has been a huge part of what we have been trying to do recently, making ourselves hard to beat.

"That will be the platform to go and win games, it has got to be the same regardless of whether it is Macclesfield, Shrewsbury or anybody else.

"The most important thing is not to concede, and we do have players in the team who will nick a goal. As long as when we get that goal it is 0-0, we have a chance of winning games, we don't want to be chasing games.

"Any team in this division is capable, with a lead, to shut up shop and get numbers behind the ball and make it really difficult for you.

"The most important thing is to get the first goal, and to do that you have to make sure you are tight at the back."

The manager saw Macclesfield draw against Plymouth, and he knows that Rovers will need to get their attitude right to win the game.

He said: "They didn't lose the game I saw them play, and Plymouth were decent against them. They coped with it and got an equaliser late on. They are playing with a lot of numbers behind the ball, they have two decent strikers.

"I don't care what anybody says, no one can come here on Saturday expecting to win. You have got to go out there and beat them.

"We are going to have to be thinking about how we approach it, think about system and our mentality against a team who are going to sit in against us with a lot of numbers.

"If we do all of that well, we have a decent opportunity given our present form. But we are going to have to approach it in the right way."

The manager will have a strong squad to choose from, with only Michael Poke missing with an ankle injury.

He said: "The only injury is the one that kept the goalie out last week. Michael twisted his ankle last Friday and he won't be fit for a couple of weeks.

"One or two are a little bit fresher, Matt Harrold has had another week."

And the manager admits he is already turning his eye to the summer, although he admits that however much work is put in now, there will still be lots to do in the summer, as players and agents do not like to make early decisions.

He said: "We are looking at the present squad and their contracts, and I have the Chairman coming to see me today to have a talk about things. We are preparing for pre-season and we have got to be ahead of the game.

"As much as we would love to go off after the last game of the season and know that the squad is in place and when we come back for pre-season we will know exactly who is going to be here, I am afraid it doesn't work like that.

"I am quite sure that come the Thursday before the first game of the season we will still be running around trying to make a signing or two."

One person who the manager will definitely be looking at is Aaron Downes.

"Aaron is a great professional, and he was doing well for the team before he got injured. His contract is up at Chesterfield in the summer, so we will be looking at the possibilities.

"He knows he has to prove his fitness and we hope he will have time to play some games before the end of the season."

Ipswich Town v Bristol City

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:29:37 +0000

Derek McInnes wants to see a positive start following poor starts at Peterborough and Hull in recent weeks.

Goals inside the opening 15 minutes in those npower Championship matches left City with an uphill struggle they were unable to climb.

The manager said: "There's no doubts it will be a difficult game, as they all are in the Championship. Ipswich recently beat Cardiff 3-0, and you don't do that if you aren't a good side.

"We have to start the game well, which we haven't done in recent away games.

"There was a lot in the first half against Blackpool that I was pleased with. We have to replicate a lot of the work we did in that period because it's the attributes we need."

City's players left Ashton Gate yesterday and will train at their hotel base in Ipswich today ahead of the game.

"We have to start the game well, which we haven't done in recent away games."

"It's a bit different and we'll see if it works," said the manager. "It just breaks up the journey and there are good training facilities for us at the hotel."

Chris Wood has jetted back from international duty in New Zealand to link up with the squad, while Richard Foster and Ryan McGivern both returned from their trips with Scotland and Northern Ireland yesterday.

City are awaiting fitness checks for Kalifa Cisse (groin), Lewin Nyatanga (ankle) and Stephen McManus (thigh), along with a couple of other players.

Rotherham 0 - 1 Bristol Rovers

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:19:11 +0000

Gas pick up maximum points away from home.

Rovers returned from Rotherham with all three points, courtesy of a late goal from Andy Dorman, his first for the club.

Another resilient and determined Rovers performance earned them the win and they have become, under Mark McGhee, a very difficult side to beat.

McGhee made two changes to his starting lineup, one of them enforced after goalkeeper Michael Poke failed a morning fitness test on the ankle he injured in training yesterday.

That meant a return for Scott Bevan, for his first start since the New Year's Eve game against Crewe Alexandra.

Mustapha Carayol also returned to the starting lineup, after his substitute appearance last weekend, in place of Lee Brown.

Rovers, with a five man midfield and Joe Anyinsah playing the lone striker role, started brightly at a windswept Don Valley Stadium.

A surging run forward by Tom Parkes saw him hit a shot towards goal that carried little power, allowing Andy Warrington a comfortable save.

At the other end, Danny Harrison hit a volley high over the crossbar.

Rovers fashioned a decent chance on twenty minutes when Mustapha Carayol found Chris Zebroski out wide on the right and he skipped past two challenges before hitting an angled drive into the side netting.

Shaun Harrad's attempted shot at the other end carried little power and was saved by Scott Bevan before Rovers again went close to breaking the deadlock.

Carayol drilled a low ball across the face of goal and the inrushing Matt Lund and Zebroski both got a touch, but neither could direct their efforts on target. Zebroski then made a break down the right before finding Anyinsah in the Rotherham area. However the striker attempted to hit a first time shot towards goal but didn't get a clean connection and the ball spun into the arms of a grateful Warrington.

The home side's best chance of the half came in the last minute, but Lewis Grabban's fierce shot struck Cian Bolger and was deflected behind.

Rotherham looked a more determined outfit at the start of the second period and after Lewis Grabban hit an angled drive wide of the upright, Johnny Mullins headed wide when well placed.

Alex Revell then dragged a shot wide of the mark as Rovers came under pressure.

A double substitution just after the hour mark saw Matt Harrold and Eliot Richards replace Zebroski and Carayol and a change to a 4-4-2 formation.

They still came under pressure, though, and Revell hit another shot wide of goal before Bevan made a superb save from Grabban, beating away his fierce angled drive. Although the rebound was picked up by Revell he hit his shot high over the bar.

As the game drew to a close, Rovers went close to scoring through Matt Gill, whose volley was blocked by a packed home defence. At the other end before Bevan dived at Grabban's feet to deny him a shooting opportunity.

With 89 minutes on the clock, Lee Brown's shot was touched over by Warrington and then came the goal that clinched victory.

Lund burst forward and found Brown out on the lefty. He drilled a cross into the area where Dorman beat Warrington with a left foot shot from ten yards.

Rovers: Scott Bevan, Danny Woodards, Cian Bolger, Tom Parkes, Jim Paterson, Chris Zebroski (Matt Harrold, 61), Matt Gill, Matt Lund, Andy Dorman Mustapha Carayol (Eliot Richards, 61), Joe Anyinsah (Lee Brown, 73)

Substitutes: Michael Smith, Craig Stanley

Rotherham: Andy Warrington, Mark Bradley, Johnny Mullins, Scott Griffiths, Lewis Grabban, Jason Taylor, Danny Harrison, Sam Wood, Alex Revell, Shaun Harrad (Kieron Cadogan, 46)

Substitutes: Dale Tonge, Paul Warne, Ben Pringle, Michael Raynes

Referee: Rob Lewis

Attendance: 3,937

Rovers fans: 394

Bristol City 1 - 3 Blackpool

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:16:52 +0000

"Lack of killer instinct" says McInnes.

Derek McInnes bemoaned his side's lack of killer instinct after City were punished for not converting chances into goals by a storming Blackpool fight back at Ashton Gate.

Jon Stead's first goal of the season gave City the lead - one that looked like increasing until Thomas Ince's deflected free kick levelled the scores.

City had their best chance of a second shortly after the Blackpool equaliser. Matt Gilks' save from Chris Wood's point-blank header was an obvious turning point in the contest, as the visitors made McInnes' side pay.

"We worked hard to gain control and get ourselves in front," Derek said: "If we had more of the same in the second half it was going to be a really difficult afternoon for Blackpool.

"If we had been a bit more clinical we could've got ourselves in front by more than one goal, but in the second half we just wanted more of the same.

"But we passed up a number of opportunities and then the free kick for them was never a free kick in a month of Sundays.

"We should do much better at defending it, but they should never have had the free kick in the first place and it's compounded by the fact that it's the same boy who has dived for it."

"The first half showed there's enough to suggest we're going to get out of it, but the second half shows that unless we start defending with a lot more resolve, we're going to be in trouble."

Derek reserved praise for Stead, who was a constant threat on his return to the starting line-up, as well as debutant Sean Davis.

Davis was making his first competitive appearance since 2009, and the City boss suggested fitness was a telling factor in the last ten minutes when Blackpool added two further goals to seal the points.

The on-loan midfielder made an impressive start to his City career but was not alone in lacking match practice, with Louis Carey, Jordan Spence and Stead all spending more time on the sidelines than the pitch in recent months.

Derek said: "At 1-1, we're having to chase the game a bit and we've lost all composure. The first half showed there's enough to suggest we're going to get out of it, but the second half shows that unless we start defending with a lot more resolve, we're going to be in trouble.

"After the decision and the first goal, the game suited them. They ran out comfortably in the end and one or two of us started feeling sorry for ourselves, so we've got to be better than that."

Bristol Rugby 52-26 Doncaster Knights

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:08:59 +0000

Bristol score seven tries at the Memorial Stadium.

Liam Middleton’s side plundered seven tries in a dominant performance against opposition they will face in the forthcoming play-offs.

Matt Williams, Jon Goodridge (2) and Will Helu also crossed for Bristol who finish the regular season unbeaten at home.

In the opening five minutes, Doncaster’s Dougie Flockhart and Bristol’s Matt Jones traded penalty goals before Jones added a second in front of the posts to kick the home side into a 6-3 lead.

Bristol extended their advantage on the quarter hour when former Knights winger Matt Williams scooped up a misplaced pass to weave his way over the whitewash from forty metres. Jones slotted the extras from the angle to put his side 13-3 up.

Marking his full first team debut for the Club, Jones struck a long-range penalty as Bristol raced into a 16-3 lead. A makeshift Doncaster side found a way back into the game when fly-half Mike Whitehead carved an opening in the midfield to touch down for a converted try under the posts.

In a breathless first half that saw a flurry of points exchanged, Jon Goodridge touched down in the corner for a well-worked second for Bristol before Dougie Flockhart split the uprights with a penalty goal minutes later as the scores moved to 21-13.

Doncaster reduced the arrears further when Dougie Flockhart landed another penalty after Glen Townson had seen yellow for an infringement at the breakdown.

But Liam Middleton’s side continued to apply the pressure and went close following breaks from the excellent Luke Eves and Will Helu. As the visitors desperately tried to defend their line, Doncaster’s Ben Toft was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle. Matt Jones’ saw his penalty attempt on the stroke of half-time fade wide as the teams turned around at 21-16.

Bristol made the best possible start to the second period, scoring inside the first sixty seconds. Luke Eves made another barnstorming run through the heart of the defence before offloading to Jon Goodridge to cross for a converted try. Dougie Flockhart responded with a simple three points soon after to reduce the deficit to 28-19.

The hosts surged forward again and, following some dynamic phases, Josh Ovens thought he had scored, only for play to be recalled by referee Michael Tutty for an adjudged forward pass.

But Bristol made their pressure pay and sealed the bonus point through George Watkins soon after. Tom Slater accelerated through a gap before feeding the on-rushing replacement winger to score an unconverted try and give the home side a commanding 33-19 lead.

Fatigued by two games in three days, the Knights began to tire and it was no surprise when Will Helu collected Matty James’ short pass to crash over under the posts for Bristol’s fifth try.

However, Doncaster hit back again through David Bradford’s converted close-range effort before Bristol ran riot in the closing five minutes.

First, George Watkins muscled his way across the whitewash from ten metres, before the winger waltzed clear to round off a comfortable win with his third and Bristol’s seventh try in the dying stages.

Bristol Rugby:

Jon Goodridge; Will Helu, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, Matt Williams; Matt Jones, Tom Slater; Darren Crompton, Rhys Lawrence, Wayne Thompson, Ben Glynn, Glen Townson, Josh Ovens, Marco Mama, Iain Grieve (c).

Replacements: Ross Johnston (for Rhys Lawrence, 68 mins), Mark Lilley (for Darren Crompton, 49 mins), Dan Montagu (for Glen Townson, 63 mins), Henry Vanderglas, Ruki Tipuna (for Tom Slater, 68 mins), Matty James (for Matt Jones, 63 mins), George Watkins (for Fautua Otto, 40 mins).

Doncaster Knights:

Michael Keating; Dougie Flockhart, Latu Makaafi, PJ Gidlow (c), Ben Toft; Michael Whitehead, Michael Heaney; Stuart Corsar, Jack Yeandle, Royce Burke-Flynn, Chris Planchant, Dominic Parsons, Michael Noone, David Bradford, Adam Kettle.

Replacements: Tom Davies (for Jack Yeandle, 73 mins), Alex Brown, Tom Francis (for Stuart Corsar, 55 mins), Glen Kenworthy (for Adam Kettle, 68 mins), Zach Farivarz, Gareth Quinn-Mcdonogh (for Michael Heaney, 76 mins), Chris Hallam.

Referee: Michael Tutty

Attendance: 4631

Bristol Rugby v Doncaster

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:09:19 +0000

Ben Glynn makes his first RFU Championship start of the season when Bristol Rugby play host to Doncaster Knights at the Memorial Stadium tonight.

The 20 year-old, who has featured from the bench in the last two fixtures, links up with Glen Townson in the second row.

Head Coach Liam Middleton makes a total of eight changes to his starting line-up, with Matt Jones making his full debut at fly half.

Will Helu switches to the wing in place of Jack Tovey, while Fautua Otto returns at outside-centre. Tom Slater makes his first league start since the victory over Cornish Pirates in November.

Skipper Iain Grieve makes a full recovery from an eye injury to play at no.8 alongside Josh Ovens and Marco Mama.

Dual registered Bath prop Mark Lilley is named on a strong replacements bench including Henry Vanderglas and George Watkins.

Bristol Rugby team to face Doncaster Knights at the Memorial Stadium on Friday 24th February (7.45pm KO):

Jon Goodridge; Will Helu, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, Matt Williams; Matt Jones, Tom Slater; Darren Crompton, Rhys Lawrence, Jason Hobson, Ben Glynn, Glen Townson, Josh Ovens, Marco Mama, Iain Grieve (c).

Replacements: Ross Johnston, Mark Lilley, Roy Winters, Henry Vanderglas, Ruki Tipuna, Matty James, George Watkins.

Bristol City v Blackpool

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:07:08 +0000

Louis Carey has given Derek McInnes a welcome boost by returning to full training ahead of Saturday's clash.

The club captain is back from a calf problem as Lewin Nyatanga (ankle) joined Stephen McManus (thigh) on the sidelines through injury.

Elsewhere, Marvin Elliott (Achilles) has been ruled out of the season, as revealed exclusively by bcfc.co.uk on Tuesday, and Cole Skuse (broken toe) is still three weeks away at least.

"We're not going to use injuries as an excuse, it's not about feeling sorry for ourselves," said McInnes.

"It's good to welcome Louis back from injury because he's got experience, especially as we're without the likes of Lewin and Stephen."

Jamie McAllister and Joe Edwards both come back into the mix as well, having concluded loan spells at Preston North End and Yeovil Town respectively.

Rotherham United v Bristol Rovers

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:03:38 +0000

Tough challenge for the Gas away from home.

Mark McGhee watched Rotherham against Gillingham earlier in the week and knows that they will be difficult to break down.

He said: "I went to watch them on Tuesday against Gillingham; they were very organised and played a 4-4-2 away from home.

"They are a big, strong, aggressive team with pace in the wide areas and pace up front and a determination about them.

"I saw a team that are going to be very difficult to break down, and we are going to have to be on our guard for set plays etc."

It will be Rovers' first visit to the Don Valley, a ground with a running track - something that Mark is used to from his days at Brighton. He says that his team cannot use the conditions as a distraction.

He said: "It is their ground and once you get over those lines it closes in and you sort of forget about your surroundings.

"It is the dressing rooms and the look of the place that can undermine your feelings about the game.

"So we have to be very, very careful with our players that we don't allow that to be a distraction or an excuse for not playing well, as once you are over that line the pitch is the same."

And although the manager was happy with his midfield last week, he has not ruled out changing things around, and Matt Harrold is back in contention after resuming training.

He said: "Everyone is fit, Matt Harrold has trained and he will be taken into the equation, and otherwise, everyone else who looked as if they were fit are fit.

"I was happy with the midfield I had last week, but that doesn't mean I wont change it.

"It is another game, and I think we need certain stuff to counter some of the things they will bring to us, but we will also need to be able to give some back.

"So it will be a balance between coping with their physicality and giving them problems to give us a chance to win the game."

And the manager says that he wants to extend Michael Poke's loan, but is disappointed that we cannot keep him until the end of the season.

But Scott Bevan will now have a chance to step up and impress the manager.

Mark said: "Yes we want to extend his loan. We would like to do it until the end of the season, but technically we can't, we can only do it for 93 days in total.

"We will extend it as long as we can, but we are disappointed we cannot do it until the end of the season.

"I am going to be speaking to Scott Bevan in the next couple of days and explaining to him that we have a choice when Pokey goes back; we can go and get someone else, or he can step up.

"He has got to prepare himself and show me that he is the man. If he wants this opportunity he can have it. I want him to step up and show me that he is worthy of a starting place and that next season I don't have to go and get someone else."

Cornish Pirates 18 - 17 Bristol Rugby

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:07:47 +0000

Bristol Suffer Narrow Defeat At The Mennaye.

Bristol Rugby went down 18-17 to Cornish Pirates in a ferocious encounter at Mennaye Field.

Three yellow cards were brandished during an entertaining affair – with Bristol’s Mariano Sambucetti, Darren Crompton and Pirates’ Matt Evans all receiving ten minutes in the bin.

Luke Eves’ first half try had given Bristol a slender half-time lead, but scores from Dave Ward and Chris Morgan ensured the home side took the spoils.

The Pirates drew first blood in a fiery opening period, taking a 3-0 lead courtesy of Grant Pointer’s long-range penalty goal.

Bristol struggled to find any rhythm in the early exchanges and fell further behind on the fifteen-minute mark. Hooker Dave Ward rounded off a strong spell of home pressure to burrow over from a metre for an unconverted try.

Liam Middleton’s men came close to reducing the arrears with their first real attack of the game. Will Helu’s incisive break put Marco Mama into space, but referee Matthew Carley spotted a forward pass and play was recalled.

Bristol, who grew into the half, did add their first try of the afternoon soon after – Luke Eves finishing an excellent backline move. The centre skipped past his marker to power over after patient build-up inside the Pirates’ half.

The visitors continued to probe and, after Ross Johnston and the impressive Henry Vanderglas had engineered breaks, Tristan Roberts leveled the scores to 8-8 with a pinpoint penalty goal in front of the posts.

With half-time fast approaching, Roberts converted a penalty goal from the angle to turn the game on its head and give his side an 8-11 advantage at the interval.

Bristol began the second period in determined fashion and laid siege to the Pirates’ line. First, Will Helu darted unchallenged down the outside channel, before Henry Vanderglas accelerated clear in a 50m solo break. The flanker looked destined to muscle his way over the whitewash, but was scythed down illegally by Matt Jones – who received a yellow card for his troubles.

Tristan Roberts converted the resulting penalty, before the boot of Rob Cook kept the Pirates in touch with three points minutes later. As tempers frayed, Mariano Sambucetti saw yellow following a scuffle at the breakdown – reducing Bristol to 14 men.

Pirates took full advantage and regained the lead through Chris Morgan who peeled off the back of a ruck to touch down for a converted try, moving the score to 18-14.

In frenetic second half, Roberts landed a well-struck penalty to claw the deficit back to a single point. Pirates responded by flooding forward in numbers but couldn’t find a way through a stubborn Bristol defensive line. The visitor’s task was made harder when Darren Crompton’s yellow card, just minutes after his introduction, gave the hosts a man-advantage.

But neither side could trouble the scoreboard in the closing minutes as Pirates held on for a nailbiting win, condemning Bristol to their second successive away defeat.

Cornish Pirates:

Rob Cook; Grant Pointer, Andy Short, Tom Cooper, David Doherty; Aaron Penberthy, Gavin Cattle (c); Ryan Storer, Dave Ward, Alan Paver, Matt Smith, Ian Nimmo, Chris Morgan, Phil Burgess, Kyle Marriott.

Replacements: Paul Andrew (for Ryan Storer, 56 mins), Tom Cowan-Dickie, Carl Rimmer (for Alan Paver, 71 mins), Ben Maidment (for Matt Smith, 61 mins), Tom Kessell (for Grant Pointer, 40 mins), Cieron Thomas (for Aaron Penberthy, 70 mins), Matthew Evans (for Andy Short, 19 mins).

Bristol Rugby:

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Will Helu, Luke Eves, Matt Williams; Tristan Roberts, Ruki Tipuna (c); Mark Irish, Ross Johnston, Jason Hobson, Mariano Sambucetti, Glen Townson, Henry Vanderglas, Marco Mama, Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence (for Ross Johnston, 47 mins), Wayne Thompson (for Mark Irish, 72 mins), Darren Crompton (for Jason Hobson, 72 mins), Ben Glynn (for Mariano Sambucetti, 69 mins), Iain Grieve (for Dan Montagu, 69 mins), Tom Slater, (for Ruki Tipuna, 75 mins), Matthew Jones (for Tristan Roberts, 69 mins).

Referee: Matthew Carley

Attendance: 3115

Bristol Rovers 0 - 0 Oxford United

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:38:06 +0000

The Gas earned a point in a hard fought draw at the Memorial Stadium.

There were few clear cut chances throughout the game, but Rovers defended well, with goalkeeper Michael Poke picking up a well-deserved man of the match award.

Mark McGhee has said that he wants to make his team hard to beat, and that was evident this afternoon.

The game was played on a very heavy pitch because of the morning's rain, and it caused Mark McGhee to change his tactics.

The manager made three changes to the side that lost against Shrewsbury on Tuesday night.

Chris Zebroski came back from suspension to replace Matt Harrold, and Andy Dorman and Matt Lund came into the side to replace Craig Stanley and Eliot Richards.

Oxford nearly took the lead after just two minutes, when James Constable took a shot from the left, which was tipped round the post by Poke.

Zebroksi and Anyinsah both worked hard up front on the heavy pitch, and a good exchange in the box between the two forwards unfortunately came to nothing.

Zebroski then had a shot from the edge of the box that fizzed wide of the right hand upright.

Rovers had a shout for a penalty turned down when Danny Woodards appeared to be brought down by former Gas keeper Ryan Clarke.

Scott Rendell, who was on loan at Rovers earlier in the season, saw a shot cleared off the line by Cian Bolger as the half wore on.

Oxford put Rovers under a spell of pressure towards the end of the second half, but the home side soaked it up well and defended resolutely.

And as the half drew to a close, Lee Brown was on hand to clear a shot from Peter Leven off the line.

Poke was called into action again shortly into the second half, when he caught a shot from Mehdi Kerrouche.

Rendell should then have done better when he was given time to get a shot away, but it went harmlessly wide.

The busy Poke was called upon again to make a fantastic save Liam Davis, whose left foot shot had to be tipped round the post.

Rovers then brought on Mustapha Carayol to replace Andy Dorman, and he was involved in a good chance from Rovers to take the lead.

Muzzy crossed the ball in to Zebroski who laid the ball back to Brown on the edge of the box, and his shot was narrowly wide of the post.

Rovers then brought on more fresh legs up front, with Eliot Richards coming on to replace Joe Anyinsah.

Zebroski then had a shot that went narrowly wide, as Rovers sought to take all three points out of the game.

Rovers made their final substitution with Scott McGleish coming on to replace the hardworking Zebroski.

Oxford substitute Oli Johnson had a shot that went high and wide, before Rovers had their own spell of pressure in the dying minutes.

But with both sides defending well, the 0-0 draw was probably the correct result.

Rovers: Michael Poke, Danny Woodards, Cian Bolger, Tom Parkes, Jim Paterson, Matthew Lund, Matt Gill, Andy Dorman (Mustapha Carayol), Lee Brown, Chris Zebrosk (Scott McGleish)i, Joe Anyinsah (Eliot Richards).
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Substitutes: Scott Bevan, Craig Stanley

Oxford United: Ryan Clarke, Andrew Whing, Michael Duberry, Jake Wright, Liam Davis, Damian Batt, Peter Leven, Mark Wilson (Oli Johnson), Scott Rendell, James Constable, Mehdi Kerrouche (Lee Holmes).

Substituites: Anthony Tonkin, Asa Hall, , Harry Worley.

Referee: Mr P Gibbs

Peterborough 3 - 0 Bristol City

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:23:36 +0000

Derek McInnes was left despondent after his team were brushed aside by a previously out-of-form Peterborough United side at London Road.

Lee Tomlin's early goal set the hosts on their way, before David Ball added a second on 62 minutes at the end of City's best period of the game. Tomlin's second late on set the seal on another disappointing away day for the visitors, still without a goal on their travels in 2012.

Spirits were high going into the clash after Brett Pitman's midweek cameo at Ashton Gate, against a Posh side who had not won home or away since Boxing Day, but the City boss offered no excuses for his team's below par display.

"It was a poor performance." Derek said. "We were second best for the majority of the game and the scoreline reflects that. I apologise for that, and my determination to improve things has never been stronger.

"Half-time couldn't come quickly enough. For the majority of the game, Peterborough were the dominant side.

"We were loose with our possession and a big improvement was needed, which I felt we got at the start of the second half."

"We should be serving up better than we served up today."

McInnes introduced Chris Wood to partner Pitman up front at the interval, which immediately seemed to pay dividends with an abundance of City chances in quick succession, before Ball struck against the run of play killed off the growing momentum.

The decisive second arrived while on-loan defender Stephen McManus appeared to be nursing a thigh injury, now set to keep him out of next week's home game against Blackpool.

Derek said: "We looked well in the game at that stage, and probably the more likely team to score at 1-0 down. Going with two up front and four across the middle, you are more likely to create chances but also more vulnerable to things in your own area, and they've punished us.

"I'm not pleased because we got the sign to say he [McManus] was okay to continue. Then obviously after the second goal we have to change it.

"But I'm not going to stand here and make excuses. It's clear to see we have had to make changes and yes we have got injuries, but we should be serving up more than we served up today. Improvements are needed in the weeks and months ahead."

Cornish Pirates v Bristol Rugby

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:13:55 +0000

Bristol travel to Mennaye Field to face high-flying Cornish Pirates.

Bristol Rugby travel to second placed Cornish Pirates on Sunday having secured top spot in the RFU Championship with two games to spare.

Captain Iain Grieve is included among the replacements after a six-week spell on the sidelines with a fractured eye socket, sustained against Esher in January.

Head Coach Liam Middleton makes three changes to the starting line up from the side that thumped Moseley 48-13 last weekend.

Jack Tovey, Mark Irish and Josh Ovens return in place of Matt Williams, Darren Crompton and Henry Vanderglas respectively.

Ruki Tipuna continues as captain, forming a half-back partnership with fellow New Zealander Matty James.

Fly-half Matthew Jones is named in the 22-man squad after making his first-team debut at the Memorial Stadium last Sunday.

Bristol Rugby team to face Cornish Pirates at the Mennaye Field on Sunday 19 February (2pm KO):

Sean Marsden; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Luke Eves, George Watkins; Matty James, Ruki Tipuna (c); Mark Irish, Ross Johnston, Wayne Thompson, Glen Townson, Roy Winters, Josh Ovens, Marco Mama, Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Darren Crompton, Jason Hobson, Mariano Sambucetti, Iain Grieve, Tom Slater, Matt Jones.

Bristol Rovers v Oxford United

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:12:16 +0000

The Gas entertain 7th placed Oxford.

Rovers have just suffered their first defeat under new Manager Mark McGhee at Shrewsbury in mid-week.

Oxford are 8 positions and 10 points ahead of Rovers in the last play off spot.

The Gas will be looking to bounce right back against the U's who had a somewhat unconvincing 2-1 victory at home to Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday.

The Gas and the U's have had 43 meetings since Oxford first entered the League back in the mid 1960's, replacing Accrington Stanley. In terms of results the games between the teams have been remarkably even over the years with Rovers winning 16, United 16 and 11 draws.

Rovers are now much tighter at the back with just four goals against in the last 6 games.

Peterborough v Bristol City

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:08:33 +0000

McInnes hopes to improve Robins away form.

Derek McInnes believes today's Championship clash with Peterborough United will be an open affair.

The Posh have conceded the second most goals at home this season, only behind Nottingham Forest, but they've also scored 28 goals at London Road in 14 games, second to promotion chasers Cardiff City.

City, meanwhile, have not kept a clean sheet in seven attempts.

"Peterborough make the game open with the way they play," "They have a lot of forward-thinking players.

"We know what to expect from them. They've proven tough opponents in the past for ourselves and others in the league.

"They'll be hurting from their last few results and I'm sure they'll want to get back on track.

"We want to go and impose ourselves on the game. We're the away team and need to improve our form on the road."

"Peterborough will be hurting from their last few results and I'm sure they'll want to get back on track."

Derek admits Brett Pitman's point-saving brace against Crystal Palace in midweek will certainly play on his mind when it comes to team selection.

"I've no problems being proved wrong," said the manager. "But I'm of the same opinion about Brett as our supporters. I know his qualities and what he's capable of.

"It's about picking the right team to get the right result.

"Certainly when he comes on and produces a performance like the other night it does make it hard to leave him out."

Cole Skuse (broken toe) is ruled out of the game along with Louis Carey (calf) and Lewin Nyatanga (ankle). Jordan Spence is fit again after illness.

Trego Named Captain Of Royals

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:16:43 +0000

Somerset all rounder set to star in T20 in Bangladesh.

Peter Trego has been appointed as captain of the Sylhet Royals in the inaugural Bangaldesh Premier League Twenty 20 competition that gets underway later on this month.

The 30 year old from Weston super Mare, who is a very firm favourite with the crowds at the County Ground said: "It is a great honour and a challenge to be named as captain for the Royals.”

He added:"I just can’t wait to get the team together to start our campaign in what looks to be a great cricketing event to be involved in.”

Pete has been out in Bangladesh playing for Abahani in the domestic 50 over competition since just after Christmas.

New Date For Bristol Rugby

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:07:16 +0000

The match was called off on Friday, but postponed due to frozen pitch.

Bristol Rugby's RFU Championship fixture at home to Moseley has been rearranged for Sunday 12 February (3pm KO).

The game was scheduled to take place on Friday evening, but was postponed after an RFU qualified referee deemed the Memorial Stadium pitch unplayable due to the freezing weather conditions.

The club says any tickets purchased can be used for the rescheduled fixture.

Bristol City 0 - 3 Leeds

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:18:59 +0000

Manager said refereeing decisions had a huge impact on game.

Derek McInnes admitted refereeing decisions had a huge impact on a nightmare day for his side, but refused to blame defeat on the officials.

James Wilson and Yannick Bolasie were sent off either side of the interval, as nine-man City were beaten 3-0 at Ashton Gate by a Leeds United team who were second best for much of the first half.

McInnes was left aggrieved by the approach of the visitors, who he believes were not shy in going to ground.

"James Wilson got a slight touch and we got ourselves in a poor position," Derek said: "He was possibly the last man so I can understand that one."

"With Yannick, the same boy was involved in both bookings. For the first one, Yannick hasn't touched him.

"The second one was just a coming together. It was really harsh. We can't point the finger at the referee, but once you go down to nine men, it's damage limitation to be honest.

"There's a lot of frustration there, because I felt there was a lot of rolling about today from a few Leeds players making a meal of things. There were a lot of worse challenges than that which went unpunished."

"It was a game that ran away from us and it would be wrong to say it was just down to officials."

Derek admitted he was concerned by the two red cards, following Louis Carey's dismissal at Reading last weekend, but still took heart from aspects of his team's play.

He said: "Naivety has cost us today. Two red cards in the last three games doesn't reflect well on us.

"We were the better side. There was a lot to be pleased about with the first-half performance, but it was a game that ran away from us and it would be wrong to say it was just down to officials. I'm sure the younger lads will learn from it."

Derek revealed defender Lewin Nyatanga was absent due to an ankle injury, while Marvin Elliott could return for next Saturday's trip to Hull.

The manager also reiterated his desire to add to his defensive ranks looking ahead to the opening of the loan window on Tuesday, but reserved his final words for the City groundstaff.

Derek said: "Sometimes we just expect games to be on, but they worked extremely hard and we thank them for that. They've done their bit but unfortunately we haven't done ours."

Aldershot v Bristol Rovers - POSTPONED

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:04:10 +0000

Game off because of overnight frost.

This afternoon's game against Aldershot has been called off because of the cold weather.

Aldershot had frost covers over the playing surface but the overnight frost was extremely heavy and proved to be too much.

The vast majority of the pitch was fine and playable but there were small patches that were not deemed to be match fit.

A new date for the game will be announced as soon as it is rearranged.

Bristol City v Leeds

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:01:59 +0000

Game goes ahead at Ashton Gate despite freezing conditions.

Derek McInnes doesn't see the sacking of Simon Grayson as Leeds boss making much difference to today's Championship match at Ashton Gate.

Following the midweek 4-1 home defeat to Birmingham City, Leeds chairman Ken Bates acted by sacking Grayson and his coaching staff, before placing Neil Redfearn in caretaker charge for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Derek says he was sad to see Grayson depart Elland Road - citing the high expectation levels at the Yorkshire club as a key factor - but insists the job will be tough tomorrow nonetheless.

He said: "Neil Redfearn may make a few changes and in that sense it could be a little bit difficult to predict what Leeds will do with their team selection.

"But we'll get the teams in at 2pm and look at it then. To be honest it's about what Bristol City does on the day. We won't underestimate them because they've lost their manager, we've seen enough them to know it will be tough.

"So many times a new manager or caretaker can come in and steer a team towards a good run of form, and we have to make sure if they are to get their season going again that they do it another Saturday."

The recent cold snap in the South West saw City prepare for the Leeds fixture by training out at Filton College on the 3G pitches.

But the Ashton Gate surface has been covered during the week and should present no problem for the big kick-off at 3pm.

City are without Louis Carey through suspension but could have Marvin Elliott and Liam Fontaine back - the pair having gone through their paces in training this week. James Wilson is also waiting on the sidelines for a recall.

Reading 1 - 0 Bristol City

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:19:06 +0000

Derek McInnes admitted to feeling 'a real sense of injustice' after his side were beaten by a single goal at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading debutant Jason Roberts did the damage, following up his own penalty saved by David James, to score the only goal of the game.

James later saved another penalty, from Jobi McAnuff, but McInnes was left needled by Roberts' role in the decisive incident, which also saw City's Louis Carey shown a straight red card.

"The wrong decision has been made and it's a real sense of injustice for us." Derek said. "Jason went down far too easily and made the referee make a decision. It was a bit of a theme to be honest.

"With ten men we're really struggling. There was a lot to feel aggrieved about today but also a lot to be proud of. They gave everything and on another day we get something from that game.

"For long spells we looked like we could pick up all three points, but today we've been harshly treated. If we keep that togetherness and spirit to keep doing all we can for the club then we'll be okay.

"There were enough good things about that performance to deserve more than we got. We made them work hard to hold on to a goal that shouldn't have been allowed to stand."

Derek added he might look to strengthen his defensive options before the January transfer window slams shut on Tuesday, with captain Louis now facing a one-match ban.

Bristol Rovers 2 - 1 Bradford

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:16:07 +0000

McGhee says he was proud of the way his team dug in and defended to take all three points in their first home win for three months.

After going 2-0 up Rovers were put under pressure as Bradford brought it back to 2-1, but the side defended well until the very end.

The manager was pleased with the resolve shown by his side, especially as they were so short on numbers.

He said: "It was hard in the end, but given the squad available to us we just had to dig in, and the way we dug in was tremendous.

"We had a little fortune near the end, there was a good claim for a Bradford penalty, though we felt the one in the first half with Eliot Richards was a penalty, so it balanced itself out.

"I thought it was a tremendous effort in the second half and I am delighted.

"We couldn't get hold of the ball in that last half hour of the game and we had to defend, but we defended well."

The manager lost Danny Woodards early to injury and felt that he was unable to make the changes he would have liked to have made.

This meant that Matt Gill was forced to play a full game on his first appearance back from injury.

Mark said: "You want to be able to make changes, like for like, but we did not have the ability to do that so Matt Gill had to play the whole game, and things like that caused us to get a little bit deeper.

"There is no way Matt would have started apart from the problems we have had.

"He said he would be able to play an hour, but in the circumstance we couldn't get him off because of the early change.

"The early injury tested us, Danny felt it before the game yesterday, but felt he was ok, but felt it as soon as the game started, so we had to pull him.

"But we had a right back on the pitch and we were able to shuffle it around a bit, although it was not ideal."

The manager is known for instilling discipline in his sides, and will be trying to educate the team.

"I spoke to them about how well I thought they did with their discipline last week and not giving away unnecessary free kicks and not getting booked.

"Chris Zebroski got booked today, we will live with it.

"It is something I major on, in my second year at Motherwell we won the Fair Play award and got into Europe for it.

"I will be trying to educate them on that, and hopefully it will stop.

"You cannot fault the Chris for his effort and he has been a tremendous part of what I have seen in the last two games."

The manager is hoping to do some deals before the window closes, but he is also hoping to be boosted by some of his injured players returning to training.

He said: "We have got several players back in training next week, and hopefully by Saturday we will be a little bit stronger and then we can start to build on that on the back of four tremendous results we have had.

"We are in good form, and if we can add the ones coming back to that and maybe we can add one or two in addition we can start to be more comfortable in games like this."

And the manager is pleased with the way his relationship with Shaun North is developing. He said: "We have hit the ground running and results have helped things.

"I have a lot of respect for what Shaun has brought to things, and training has been excellent."

Bristol City 2 - 1 Doncaster

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:27:33 +0000

Robins pull off win over fellow strugglers Doncaster Rovers.

Chris Wood marked his home debut with the opening goal at Ashton Gate, before Habib Beye was sent off for the visitors on the half-hour.

When Kalifa Cisse headed home Neil Kilkenny's resulting free-kick, City were sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead against ten men.

But despite dominating after the interval, they were pegged back by El-Hadji Diouf's 75th minute header, leading to a tense finish for over 14,000 home fans.

The win moves McInnes' side seven points clear of Doncaster and six ahead of Nottingham Forest, who occupy the final Championship relegation place.

"It's nothing but a positive result for the team," Derek said. "It's a much-needed result that keeps our home run going.

"We wanted to make sure it was far more comfortable, but the players should be proud of their efforts. It's a great day for Bristol City and a good three points.

"We said about the importance of the game, it was result over performance, but I thought we managed to get both.

"The league table looks a bit easier now than it did prior to three o'clock."

"We had to get the crowd into it and they did, so I thank them for that."

The manager was full of praise for man of the match Yannick Bolasie, who was a constant threat down the City left on his first start since November - much to the delight of the City supporters.

"He did great," said Derek. "The fans' interpretation of Yannick is what I think of him as well. He plays the game with a smile and generates a pace and enthusiasm just with his body language.

"He's an entertainer and on his day can be such a handful. I'm delighted with his performance, he continued where he left off last week when he came on as sub.

"We had to get the crowd into it and they did, so I thank them for that - first half especially."

Meanwhile, McInnes insists his decision to withdraw Cole Skuse in the second half was just a precaution.

The right-back was suffering from a dead leg, but is expected to be fit for next week's trip to Reading.

Cheltenham Town 0 - 2 Bristol Rovers

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:23:51 +0000

Perfect start for new manager Mark McGhee at Whaddon Road.

Mark McGhee's reign as manager began in style as recorded an excellent 2-0 win at Cheltenham courtesy of goals from Chris Zebroski and Eliot Richards.

It was a thoroughly deserved win and achieved with a well organised defensive display and a team performance that saw everyone determined, committed, and fighting for the cause.

The manager named an unchanged starting lineup for his first game in charge, though there was a change on the bench, where skipper Matt Gill returned after injury.

There were few chances for either side in a fairly even first half.

Both sides closed down opponents quickly, denying space at every opportunity and the best chance of the half fell to Rovers a minute before half time when a Chris Zebroski header grazed the outside of the post.

The first chance of the game, though, fell to the home side but Jimmy Spencer's left foot shot carried little power and Michael Poke was able to gather comfortably.

Andy Dorman lashed a shot high and wide of the target for Rovers, while former Rovers striker Darryl Duffy curled a shot wide at the other end.

Joe Anyinsah saw a shot deflected behind for a corner and then Rovers were almost gifted a goal when a bizarre clearance by Marlon Pack, from Zebroski's cross, hit Sido Jombati and was hacked away by a flustered home defence.

Zebroski went close when running on to a through ball from Dorman, but could get no power on his shot and Scott Brown saved comfortably.

Pack fired an ambitious 35 yard free kick over the bar before Kaid Mohamed hit a low effort wide of the target and then volleyed over.

Then came Zebroski's late chance, from Gary Sawyer's cross, to round off a frantic and frenetic opening half.

Rovers bossed the second half against a side that were in second place going into the game.

The game continued to be played at a high tempo and while there were half chances for either side early on, once Rovers opened the scoring, on the hour mark, they assumed control of the game.

The goal came after Scott McGleish played in Zebroski down the right and he cut inside before hitting a low shot beyond the dive of Scott Brown and into the corner of the net.

Three minutes later Zebroski tested the keeper with a fierce drive and he could only parry it up into the air.

Defender Alan Bennett tried to chest it back to his keeper, but Richards reacted quicker than the shot stopper and nipped in to knock the ball into the net from close range.

Brown almost gifted Rovers a third goal when he flapped at the ball and succeeded only in palming it to McGleish but his header drifted just wide of an open goal.

Cheltenham threatened only rarely after that and disappointed their highest crowd of the season by slipping to only their third home defeat of the campaign.

Team: Michael Poke, Danny Woodards, Cian Bolger, Aaron Downes, Gary Sawyer, Eliot Richards, Craig Stanley, Andy Dorman, Lee Brown, Joe Anyinsah (Scott McGleish, 52), Chris Zebroski

Substitutes: Michael Smith, Matt Gill, Byron Anthony, Lance Cronin

Yellow card: Poke

Cheltenham Town: Scott Brown, Sido Jombati, Keith Lowe, Alan Bennett, Luke Garbutt, Marlon Pack, Luke Summerfield, Russell Penn (Jermaine McGlashan, 59), Jimmy Spencer, Darryl Duffy (Jeff Goulding, 59), Kaid Mohamed (Brian Smikle, 82)

Substitutes: Josh Low, Harry Hooman

Yellow card: Spencer

Referee: David Phillips

Attendance: 5,288

Rovers fans: 1,467

Cheltenham v Bristol Rovers

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:06:04 +0000

Bristol Rovers travel the short journey to Cheltenham under new boss Mark McGhee.

The Gas take on Mark Yates' side who have won 12 and drawn two of their last 15 League Two fixtures and only goal difference is keeping them behind leaders Southend United.

Cheltenham were expected to be fighting a relegation battle this term, but the Whaddon Road club have conjured up a remarkable run of results based on raw talent and excellent team spirit.

Rovers record at Whaddon Road since the Robins have achieved League status is excellent with 2 wins and 2 draws in the 6 games played there.

The two matches since Paul Buckle's departure has seen a tightening up of the Rovers defence and the four valuable points collected has halted the slide.

With Mark McGhee now in place it is to be hoped that the improvement in both results and performances will continue.

Bristol City v Doncaster Rovers

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:24:17 +0000

Crucial match for the Robins against fellow relegation strugglers.

City host Doncaster Rovers on Saturday and the squad are well aware of the importance of the game.

Midfielder Cole Skuse has targeted big-spending Doncaster as a must-win game for Derek McInnes' side.

Skuse believes the influence of the home fans will play a huge part in getting City back on the winning path.

"I think we owe Doncaster one" Skuse said. "They battered us at our own place not so long ago and we want to put that right. Every game at the moment for both sides is a massive.

"Once you are playing those teams in and around you in the table, it gives you that chance to build a little gap or pull away from the relegation zone which makes it vital.

"It's a massive game. It has gone past that Christmas period so we are into the last bit of the season now. Some people might say it's a six-pointer but every game at the minute is big for us as we are still in and around that area and we don't want to be."

Cole cannot wait to get back out in front of the home crowd after two disappointing results away from Ashton Gate.

He said: "Our fans always play a big part. Especially the East Enders, they are always very vocal so it will be interesting to see how many fans Doncaster bring down, but it will be up to us to generate our own atmosphere.

"It will be great to be back at Ashton Gate. It feels like a lifetime since we have played here and our form and performances have picked up at home.

"Early part of the season we were performing a bit better away from home but we are trying to make it a bit of a fortress here."

Bristol Trio Sign New Contracts

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:16:24 +0000

Key players commit to stay at the club until at least 2014.

Three key figures in Bristol’s league revival this season have committed their futures to the Club.

Head Coach Liam Middleton, captain Iain Grieve and prop Jason Hobson all extend their contracts ahead of the end-of-season play-offs.

Chairman Chris Booy said: "We’re really delighted that the Liam, Iain and Jason have signed up to stay with us.

"Liam has proved a fantastic appointment as Head Coach and we know what huge respect he is held in by the players, staff and supporters.

"Iain and Jason are two of the most talented and committed members of the squad.

"It’s a clear indication of the Club’s ambitions. The trio can see that we are building for the future and they all want to play their part in it.”

Middleton, who took over the helm during the summer, has overseen a dramatic turnaround in fortunes with Bristol currently sitting top of the RFU Championship and unbeaten in the league at the Memorial Stadium this season.

The Zimbabwean, who boasts an impressive win record in his tenure as Head Coach, has instilled an attacking philosophy in his squad with Bristol playing some of their most exciting rugby in years. He agrees a new two-year deal.

"It’s a privilege to be Head Coach of Bristol Rugby,” said Middleton. "It comes with a huge amount of responsibility.

"I'm passionately driven to make the vision we have for the Club a reality in years to come."

London Welsh 23 - 17 Bristol Rugby

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:21:51 +0000

Bristol Rugby’s seven-game winning streak came to an end with a defeat to London Welsh at Old Deer Park.

Liam Middleton’s men, who led 11-3 at half-time, secured a losing bonus point in an error-strewn affair.

Will Helu opened the scoring for the visitors during the first half, but tries from Hudson Tonga’uiha and Saul Nelson after the break condemned Bristol to their first defeat of 2012.

London Welsh controlled possession in the opening five minutes and promptly earned a penalty after Mariano Sambucetti was penalized at the breakdown. Full-back Alex Davies saw his penalty attempt sail wide, so the score remained 0-0.

Minutes later, Tristan Roberts had an opportunity to break the deadlock, but his effort drifted left of the upright. In virtually their first attack of the game, Bristol opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Will Helu crossed for his first try for the Club.

The centre capitalized on fine handling to collect Josh Ovens’ offload and race in under the posts for an unconverted try and a 0-5 lead. London Welsh came close to an immediate response when Hudson Tonga’uiha scooped up a stray pass and galloped clear, only to be dragged down by Tristan Roberts ten metres from the line.

In a first half played at breakneck speed, the Exiles reduced the deficit courtesy of Alex Davies’ well-struck penalty. Tristan Roberts had a chance to extend Bristol’s lead but the kick faded just short. The fly-half made amends soon after with a fine forty metre effort to move the score to 3-8.

With the first period drawing to a close, Roberts added another three points from the angle as Bristol went in at half-time with a 3-11 advantage.

The Exiles came out in determined fashion after the interval and, within a minute of the restart, Alex Davies closed the gap to 6-11 with a penalty goal.

London Welsh turned the game on its head with their first try of the afternoon shortly after. Liam Gibson sliced through the defence and, after several phases on the Bristol tryline, Hudson Tonga’uiha burrowed over for a converted try. Alex Davies added the extras as the hosts took a narrow 13-11 lead.

Spurred by the introduction of fresh legs, the visitors upped the tempo and could have regained the lead when James Merriman burst clear, only for the flanker to be crowded out by a sea of red shirts.

Former Bristol hooker Saul Nelson gave the visitors a mountain to climb when he capitalized on a strong spell of pressure to crash over for London Welsh. Alex Davies slotted the conversion to put his side 20-11 up.

Replacement fly-half Matty James could have reduced the arrears only to see his effort fly wide. Bristol spurned a gilt-edged opportunity moments later when George Watkins carved an opening but, with the try-line gaping, the ball was knocked on.

With time running out, James struck two penalties to secure the losing bonus point, while three points from the boot of Gordon Ross ensured victory for the home side.

London Welsh:

Alex Davies; Liam Gibson, Hudson Tonga’uiha, Guy Armitage, Joe Ajuwa; Gordon Ross (c); Rob Lewis, Max Lahiff, Saul Nelson, Leo Halavatu, Matt Corker, Martin Purdy, Lee Beach, Mike Denbee, Ed Jackson.

Replacements: Vili Ma’asi (for Saul Nelson, 69 mins), Tom French, Adam Brown (for Matt Corker, 80 mins), Kieran Low (for Mike Denbee, 61 mins), Jack Moates, Will Hurrell, Edd Thrower.

Bristol Rugby:

Sean Marsden; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Will Helu, Jon Goodridge; Tristan Roberts, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Rhys Lawrence, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Glen Townson, Josh Ovens, James Merriman (c), Marco Mama.

Replacements: Tom Channon, Jason Hobson (for Wayne Thompson, 54 mins), Roy Winters (for Mariano Sambucetti, 54 mins), Mitch Eadie, Tom Slater (for Ruki Tipuna, 70 mins), Matty James (for Tristan Roberts, 70 mins), George Watkins (for Sean Marsden, 60 mins).

Referee: Dean Richards

Attendance: 2100

Bristol Rovers 0 - 0 Crawley

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:19:42 +0000

Shaun North was "proud" of performance at the Memorial Stadium.

Rovers put in a committed and spirited display to secure a hard fought 0-0 draw and knock Crawley off the top of League Two.

It was a much improved performance for Rovers, who looked solid and picked up their first clean sheet in 13 games.

And Shaun stuck with the formation that also picked up three points away at Hereford.

Shaun said: "It was a performance to be proud of, the boys gave 100%, effort, as they do week in week out.

"The way we are playing it at the moment, it is an attacking formation, we try not to be five at the back, but that depends on what the opposition do to you.

"We changed our system second half, and Crawley changed theirs - which is a credit to us. We knew they would try and be competitive, and they work hard.

"They try to impose themselves physically, and I said to the lads in the week that you have to be able to stand up to them on Saturday, because of you can't then it doesn't matter what you do or how you do it, if you cannot stand up to confrontation it is not going to help you.

"There are good players at this club, and we have three or four injured who would have been in contention.

A couple of decisions went against Rovers this afternoon, with appeals for a penalty turned down and a very marginal offside decision given against Joe Anyinsah.

Shaun said: "I thought it was a penalty, and I thought we had a shout for another one in the second half.

"Also, it was not offside, whether he scores or not, who knows, but we could have been in a better position.

"We are trying to be difficult to beat and break time, but at the other end we want to create a striker force as well. I thought we had more shots if not as many as Crawley today, and they are a very good side."

And Shaun was impressed with the fans who gave great support to the side this afternoon.

He said: "The fans were very good, they were very good against Aston Villa, and the ones that made the journey up to Hereford were very vocal.

"The supporters today got massively behind the team and lifted the boys. And I am sure that helped them in the last five or ten minutes when we cam under a lot of pressure."

And the caretaker boss says that he has enjoyed being in charge but has not put his name forward for the current vacancy.

He said: "I have enjoyed being in charge, it has been good and we will see where we go from here.

"I haven't put my name forward and haven't had chance to think about it, as when you are preparing for a game it is full on.

"I have not applied in any way, shape or form. I believe in myself as a coach, I have not managed at first team level before, but I have managed reserve teams and at youth level.

"Hopefully in the performances to date, you can see we have done some work, not that we haven't been working all year, but everyone has a little slightly different way about how they want to do things."

Brighton & Hove Albion 2 - 0 Bristol City

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:16:47 +0000

A disappointing defeat for the Robins at Brighton's new Amex Stadium.

City were beaten 2-0 by the Seagulls, who scored a goal in each half, but new recruits Richard Foster and Chris Wood did not look out of place on their City debuts.

McInnes also praised the impact of substitutes Yannick Bolasie, Brett Pitman and Kalifa Cisse, who replaced the returning Marvin Elliott in the second half.

"They did fine," Derek said: "Ricky showed he is dependable defensively and tried to get forward. He's fit, strong and athletic, and be well pleased with his debut.

"Chris will probably be disappointed not to have got on the end of a couple of crosses. Second half there was enough for one of our three strikers to get on the end of.

"All three substitutes came on and gave us something. I took a gamble with Marvin today, but he was starting to stiffen up a bit.

"We lost Stephen Pearson and Albert Adomah, and both players have been constant selections for us, but regardless of selection, we have to try and generate a tempo that allows us to win games more often than not."

Inigo Calderon put the hosts in front shortly before half time with a spectacular long range strike, before Will Buckley doubled Brighton's lead amid confusion in the City backline.

Derek said: "We went behind to a wonderstrike from their point of view, but I was disappointed we didn't close the shot down.

"We wanted to try and get a reaction and second half we were on the front foot, but just as we looked like getting back in the game after we passed up a couple of opportunities, we've let a sloppy goal in.

"There was plenty of spirit, the players kept going and deserve credit for that.

Buttler Enjoys England Success

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:10:31 +0000

Jos tops England Lion’s batting averages on their tour in Bangladesh.

After three games of the 50 over series, Buttler currently tops the batting averages.

The 21 year old, who made his full England T20 debut against India in the late summer of 2011, has an average of 46.50 from the first three games in the series with a highest score of 45.

In the most recent game that was played this morning (Friday) in Chittagong Jos kept wicket for the first time in the series and ended up with a stumping , the first of the tour, plus a catch as Bangladesh A scored 218 for 9 off their 50 overs.

In reply the Lions were dismissed for 143 in 34.4 overs, Jos making seven.

The next game between the two sides is on Monday in Sylhet where the game starts at 0300GMT.

London Welsh v Bristol Rugby

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:07:15 +0000

Liam Middleton makes two changes from the side that beat Esher as Bristol Rugby set their sights on an eighth successive RFU Championship victory against London Welsh at Old Deer Park.

The Head Coach keeps faith in the majority of the side that secured a 27-7 win over Esher last weekend.

In an enforced change, Marco Mama replaces injured skipper Iain Grieve at no. 8, while Jack Tovey returns in place of George Watkins on the wing.

Sean Marsden is primed to make his 100th league appearance for the Club after being named at full-back. Fautua Otto, who has notched five tries in the last six games, starts in the midfield alongside Junior Fatialofa.

In the forwards, James Merriman assumes the captaincy in Grieve’s absence and forms a pacy back-row partnership with Josh Ovens and Marco Mama.

Middleton retains a four forwards and three backs split on the replacements bench, with Roy Winters and Tristan Roberts included in the 22-man squad.

Bristol Rugby team to face London Welsh at Old Deer Park on Saturday 14 January (2pm KO):

Sean Marsden; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, Junior Fatialofa, Jon Goodridge; Matty James, Ruki Tipuna; Darren Crompton, Rhys Lawrence, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Glen Townson, Josh Ovens, James Merriman (c), Marco Mama.

Replacements: Ross Johnston, Mark Irish, Roy Winters, Mitch Eadie, Tom Slater, Tristan Roberts, George Watkins.

Bristol Rovers v Crawley Town

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:03:26 +0000

Rovers entertain Crawley Town team sitting on top of the Division and in the 4th Round of the FA Cup.

Having won promotion from the Blue Square league last season the Sussex team are setting the pace in the bottom Division.

When Rovers travelled to Crawley on 3 September they were in 10th place, 2 points behind their 3rd placed opponents. After winning at Hereford in mid-week Rovers are now in 17th spot 24 points behind the Reds.

Whilst Paul Buckle struggled with the task at hand, Steve Evans has had a dream of a season. 10 home wins and 29 goals in 13 games shows where their strength lies but they have only lost twice on the road so far this season also.

Rovers only game against the Reds was that 4-1 thumping back in September. The Red Devils took the lead after just 13 minutes. Tyrone Barnett, tapping home from close range after McFadzean had won a crucial header in the Rovers' area.

It was 2-0 on 26 minutes as Ben Smith met Dean Howell's cross eight yards out and headed past the diving Scott Bevan.

Town had their third with 15 minutes left as Matt Tubbs curled a superb free-kick into the net after Torres had been brought down right on the edge of the area.

With 10 minutes to go Lee Brown pulled one back for Rovers when his cross caught out Michel Kuipers and drifted inside the far post. Barnett swept home his second goal to make it 4-1 after he got on the end of Tubbs clever flick on, just 4 minutes later.

That victory came in the middle of Crawley's worst spell of the season as they lost 5 out of 6 games (including the JPT and Carling Cups). They bounced back in style by then winning 7 League games in a row, a run which took them to the top of the table.

The one concern for the Broadfield Stadium team would be their attendances, currently averaging 3,177 from the 16 home games and that included less than 4,000 for their FA Cup tie with our neighbours last weekend.

With Brighton, just down the road in a new stadium and doing well in the Championship it is difficult to see what else Crawley can do.

In their Cup game it was a second-half goal from Matthew Tubbs that sealed his team's place in the fourth round with a deserved 1-0 win over our neighbours.

The League Two leaders dominated from start to finish. Josh Simpson and Tubbs both hit the post in the first half and with 17 minutes remaining Sergio Torres's ball over the top found Tubbs who produced a cool finish for his 17th goal of the season.

Tubbs scoring feats has attracted the attention of higher placed clubs with both Bournemouth and Ipswich being reported to have made bids for the striker, whose goal on Saturday was his 57th in Crawley colours.

Tubbs has already played for the Cherries, during a 2008 loan spell, but has already attracted a number of offers in this transfer window after scoring 17 goals this season.

Evans' team have drawn to face another Championship side in the 4th Round of the Cup with a trip to Hull. In between, they face games against Rovers and Plymouth and Evans, whose team won the Conference last season on top of reaching the fifth round and narrowly losing at Manchester United, says they will not take their eyes off the main prize.

"Being in the fourth round of the FA Cup is so exciting and we hope we can do ourselves justice on the day," he told the club's official website, "but before then we have two very important league fixtures. The first of those is at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and our preparations for that have started."

There is no doubt that Rovers, buoyed by their midweek victory at Edgar Street, will be anxious to show their home fans that they have tightened up at the back and can start to move away from the threat of relegation.

Match preview courtesy of Bristol Rovers Football Club.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Bristol City

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:58:15 +0000

Over 2,000 Robins fans expected to travel to the south coast to Brighton's new stadium.

Bristol City manager Derek McInnes said: "Brighton had a really good result, 3-0 against Southampton at home a couple of weeks ago, and they've got a few players coming back from injury and suspension that they've been without, so they're getting back to their strongest line-up.

"Any team that gets promoted always have that momentum coming from the season before. They showed they can adjust to playing at Championship level - they're doing very well.

"Hopefully we can go down there and put in a performance away from home that we have shown in the past can get us results."

"There was a bit of shame and embarrassment that we'd been dumped out of the cup. We've got some making up to do, and we share that responsibility."

The Brighton trip represents an opportunity for McInnes' side to get back on track after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by League 2 leaders Crawley Town last weekend, something the manager admits was a major blow.

Derek said: "It's important we move on from it. We could go into it all afternoon about what we could have done better, but our biggest objective was always to be in the league.

"I can't hide the fact that we wanted to have a cup run as well. There was a bit of shame and embarrassment that we'd been dumped out of the cup. We've got some making up to do, and we share that responsibility.

"Crawley deserved to go through, but we lick our wounds and move on to the next game, which happens to be a very important league game and hopefully we can get back to winning ways. "

Bristol Rugby 27 - 7 Esher

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:55:02 +0000

Bristol went eleven points clear at the top of the RFU Championship after a 27-7 win over Esher at the Memorial Stadium.

The hosts scored three tries in a convincing victory with Josh Ovens, Fautua Otto and George Watkins crossing for the league leaders.

Bristol will have been disappointed not to have clinched a bonus point after dominating possession and creating a number of gilt-edged chances.

Bristol started brightly, forcing an early turnover and moving the ball wide. Matty James glimpsed an opening to dash clear but solid defence from Esher captain Tom Cheeseman ensured that the danger was cleared.

The visitors could have opened the scoring after three minutes, but Mark Atkinson saw his penalty attempt drift wide of the upright.

Liam Middleton’s side dominated possession in a lively opening, but couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Esher backline. George Watkins and James Merriman came closest to breaching the defence, while Ross Chisholm almost made Bristol pay with a fine solo counter-attack, only to be bundled into touch.

Josh Ovens broke the deadlock on the twenty-minute mark with a fine solo effort. The flanker accelerated through several challenges on his way to the line. James added the extras to give Bristol a 7-0 lead.

Rhys Lawrence’s high tackle gave Peter Synott an opportunity to reduce the arrears, but the fly-half’s attempt faded short and was punted to safety. Bristol continued to apply pressure in the opposition half and extended their advantage with a penalty goal courtesy of Matty James.

Esher found a way back into the game through Andy Wright’s breakaway try. The winger latched onto Ross Chisholm’s offload to sprint in unchallenged from forty metres. Atkinson slotted the conversion as the score moved to 10-7.

A serious-looking injury to Ian Kench resulted in a lengthy break in play, before Matty James sent a long-range penalty attempt just short. Bristol did push further ahead minutes later when Fautua Otto jinked his way over from twenty metres. James converted from the angle to give his side a 17-7 lead at the break.

The New Zealander added a penalty immediately after the restart to put Bristol in control at 20-7. The home side maintained the pressure and were unfortunate not to grab a third try when James Merriman carved an opening in the Esher 22, only for Andy Wright to intercept and carry upfield.

Bristol came close again when George Watkins sliced through the midfield before feeding the on-rushing Will Helu. But, with the tryline gaping, the hosts couldn’t find the final pass and Esher scrambled clear to relieve the pressure.

Watkins added a third Bristol try when the winger coasted through the gap to score in front of the Blackthorn Terrace. Matty James converted to put the game out of reach at 27-7.

Mitch Eadie had a late opportunity to seal the bonus point but the flanker was dragged down metres from the line after an energetic break.

Bristol Rugby:

Sean Marsden; George Watkins, Fautua Otto, Junior Fatialofa, Jon Goodridge; Matty James, Ruki Tipuna; Darren Crompton, Rhys Lawrence, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Glen Townson, Josh Ovens, James Merriman, Iain Grieve (c).

Replacements: Tom Channon, Mark Irish (for Darren Crompton, 69 mins), Roy Winters, Mitch Eadie (for Iain Grieve, 70 mins), Tom Slater (for Ruki Tipuna, 55 mins), Tristan Roberts (for Jon Goodridge, 62 mins), Will Helu (for Junior Fatialofa, 54 mins).

Esher:

Ross Chisholm; Andy Wright, Tom Cheeseman (c), Arran Cruickshanks, Charlie Walker; Mark Atkinson, Jamie Mackenzie; Cameron Zeiss, James Campbell, Will Collier, Ian Kench, Charlie Matthews, Tom Alexander, Peter Synnott, Mike Macfarlane.

Replacements: Ricky Nebbett (for Cameron Zeiss, 62 mins), Shawn Renwick (for Ian Kench, 34 mins), Chris Goodman (for Charlie Matthews, 21 mins), Kevin Corrigan (for James Campbell, 70 mins), Geoff Griffiths (for Andy Wright, 60 mins), Nicky Little (for Peter Synnott, 80 mins), Andy Garner (for Jamie Mackenzie, 60 mins).

Referee: Llyr Apgeraint Roberts

Attendance: 4608

Robins Boss Speaks Out After FA Cup Exit

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:00:42 +0000

Derek McInnes admits team set down the club and fans after being knocked out the cup in the third round.

McInnes said he was disappointed with his side's quality in the 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat at Crawley Town.

Matt Tubbs' 73rd minute goal proved the difference between the two sides, sending the League 2 leaders through to the fourth round and causing an upset.

City's chances were few and far between in the tie, whereas Crawley twice hit the woodwork in the first 45.

Derek said: "I'm disappointed that we've lost the game. I think we were committed in the match but in the end we didn't show enough quality.

"We knew exactly how Crawley were going to play and you have to give credit to them for their performance on the day.

"However, with no disrespect meant, we had a strong enough team to beat Crawley Town. I expect us to be going into round four and I wanted a cup run.

"We've let the club down and our supporters down. I'm not going to say we're now concentrating on the league because, although retaining our Championship status is the priority, I wanted to have a good cup run."

Stephen Pearson, on the back of his new City deal until the end of the season, was red carded for a second bookable offence ten minutes from time.

"I thought both his yellow cards were harsh," said Derek. "It's disappointing because I didn't even think the referee was going to bring out the yellow card again for the second one."

The former Derby and Celtic midfielder will now serve a one-match ban.

Former Robins Boss Back With The Glovers?

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:27:32 +0000

There is speculation that Gary Johnson is coming back to the West Country to his former club, Yeovil Town.

Johnson was one of the more colourful characters at Ashton Gate when he was in charge of Bristol City after being targeted by the Robins in 2005 when their manager Brian Tinnion resigned.

Yeovil agreed compensation terms and he became City's manager on 26 September 2005. Despite a long losing streak through October and November, City's fortunes turned around under Johnson and a good run of form in the second half of the season saw them in play-off contention, eventually finishing ninth.

Johnson won the League One Manager of the Month award for April 2006. After an impressive 2006–07 season (including an 18 match unbeaten run), Johnson won the award again in March 2007 after successfully guiding his side to 16 points from seven games the previous month.

In September 2008 Johnson signed a new five-year contract with Bristol City, to keep him at the club until 2013 but he left his post in March 2010 after heavy defeats by Cardiff and Doncaster Rovers.

He went on to manage Northampton Town and left in November 2011 by mutual consent.

Yeovil Town have called a press conference at 2pm on Monday afternoon.

Bristol Rugby v Esher

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:57:30 +0000

Captain Iain Grieve returns to the starting line-up to lead Bristol Rugby against Esher at the Memorial Stadium this afternoon.

The skipper, who suffered a serious-looking thigh injury against Plymouth in December, has missed only three fixtures and replaces the injured Dan Montagu at no. 8.

Liam Middleton makes a total of six changes from the side that secured a bonus-point victory over Nottingham last week.

George Watkins replaces Jack Tovey on the wing, while Matty James starts in the RFU Championship for the first time since Moseley in early November.

Rhys Lawrence and Wayne Thompson come into the front row in place of Ross Johnston and Jason Hobson. In the second row, Mariano Sambucetti is named alongside Glen Townson.

The Head Coach opts for a strong replacements bench that includes Tristan Roberts and Roy Winters. Tongan Will Helu recovers from a knee injury to be included in the 22-man squad.

Bristol Rugby team to face Esher at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday 8 January (3pm KO):

Sean Marsden; George Watkins, Fautua Otto, Junior Fatialofa, Jon Goodridge; Matty James, Ruki Tipuna; Darren Crompton, Rhys Lawrence, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Glen Townson, Josh Ovens, James Merriman, Iain Grieve (c).

Replacements: Ross Johnston, Mark Irish, Roy Winters, Marco Mama, Tom Slater, Tristan Roberts, Will Helu.

Rovers & City Out Of FA Cup

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:14:08 +0000

Defeats for both Bristol teams in the third round.

Bristol City and Bristol Rovers have both been knocked out of the FA cup.

City lost by one goal away at Crawley Town and Rovers missed out on glory against Premier League side Aston Villa losing by three goals to one.

Bristol Rovers v Crewe

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:33:43 +0000

Paul Buckle looks ahead to the New Year's Eve League Two clash at the Memorial Stadium.

The Gas manager believes that Monday's defeat to Plymouth sums up his side's season so far.

Rovers were in control of the first half, but let their two goal lead slip, with Argyle eventually winning 3-2.

The manager knows that only him and his players can change the club's fortunes, and will be hoping to do so when Crewe visit the Memorial Stadium on New Year's Eve.

He said: "We threw the game away, I have not changed my opinion on that since Monday. We were in total control, but we let the game slip away.

"No one could legislate for that third goal; they reacted quicker than us and scored - which sums up our season.

"It is certainly not down to effort, as the players are giving their all at the moment. We need to keep our heads when we concede, and we have to be stronger."

Rovers will need to play well for the whole game if they want to take the three points from Crewe, who have had an inconsistent season so far.

Buckle said: "We know that only we can change our fortunes, the players have got to step up and go all out for three points on Saturday. We cannot change the past, that has been and gone, we need to be positive going into the next game.

"It is not about Crewe, it is about us; we need to end this bad run. We had a great opportunity to do that on Monday but we threw it away.

"We need to start the game like we did against Plymouth, but carry it on for the whole 90 minutes. We have got to be stronger.

"The whole football club needs to pull together through good, bad and indifferent. I have said that since day one, and I believe it is the only way to move forward. That is how I have had success in the past."

With the transfer window about to reopen, the manager is keen to bring in some new faces to bolster his squad. He will also be making decisions on the three loan players currently with Rovers.

He said: "I need to bring in more players as we currently do not have a big enough squad. We need to try and improve in the window, and that is what I am planning to do.

"We have lots of targets, but it comes down to the money side of things. You need to keep freshening up your team throughout the season, and we need to strengthen what we have here.

"The players whose loan periods with us come to an end shortly will all be dealt with after Saturday's game."

And on a personal note, Buckle says that he can handle the current pressure he is facing.

He said: "There is no added pressure on me, there are a lot of people worse off in this world. I am big enough and strong enough to take the bad results, and I am looking forward to the next game.

"No one is hurting more than me and the players at the moment. Football is not an easy ride, and we understand the frustrations of the supporters as this club has been under achieving for far too long. We have to put that right."

Nottingham v Bristol Rugby

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:27:01 +0000

Liam Middleton names a virtually unchanged side as Bristol Rugby target their sixth successive RFU Championship win against Nottingham.

The Head Coach welcomes back centre Will Helu and gives on-loan Glen Townson his first league start at Meadow Lane.

Jon Goodridge continues at full back, while Fautua Otto â€" who scored twice in the 26-6 victory last weekend â€" is named at outside centre.

George Watkins recovers from a head injury sustained against Bedford Blues to start on the wing.

Middleton makes one change in the pack, with Mariano Sambucetti making way for Glen Townson. James Merriman remains captain in the absence of Iain Grieve.

The replacements bench sees a five forwards and two backs split.

Bristol Rugby team to face Nottingham at Meadow Lane on Friday 30 December (7.45pm KO):

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, William Helu, George Watkins; Tristan Roberts, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Ross Johnston, Jason Hobson, Glen Townson, Roy Winters, Marco Mama, James Merriman (c), Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Darren Crompton, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Darren Barry, Matt Keyte, Matty James.

Southampton v Bristol City

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:24:26 +0000

Robins boss keen to end club's five match run without a win against league leaders Southampton.

Derek McInnes wants to see belief from his players at Southampton tonight.

It was just four weeks ago that goals from Nicky Maynard and Albert Adomah upset the odds to record a 2-0 victory over the Saints at Ashton Gate.

Boss Derek said: "Southampton are still on top of the table and have confidence.

"But we need to remember the result we secured against them last month and believe we can go there and get a result.

"Everyone was disappointed with the Boxing Day game (at Coventry, a 1-0 defeat), not so much in the performance but our failure to capitalise on all the chances we created.

"Now is the time for everyone to pull together for the football club."

The club is still waiting on the fitness of Albert Adomah who limped away from the Ricoh Arena.

Liam Fontaine is ruled out, however, with a knee injury.

Bristol Rugby 26 - Bedford Blues 6

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:23:09 +0000

Bristol Rugby have cemented their position at the top of the RFU Championship after playing second-placed Bedford Blues in the West Country on Friday night.

Bristol extended their unbeaten home run in the league, after overcoming Mike Rayer's side in front of a bumper crowd at the Memorial Stadium.

Liam Middleton made two changes from the previous league outing at Plymouth Albion, as Jason Hobson and Marco Mama return to the starting line-up.

Stand in captain James Merriman believes the victory over Bedford will prove to be a huge confidence boost as the season edges towards its climax.

The win saw Bristol Rugby secure four points and the Christmas top spot in the RFU Championship.

"It gives us great confidence to be top,” he said. "We know that Bedford are a dangerous team so we had to get it right on Friday.

"We spoke about closing them down and keeping the pressure on. It paid off because we stuck to our systems and built a lead.

"We were pleased to not concede a try and everybody was hungry to tackle. We have a physical pack and that’s the Bristol way.

"We’ll do the hard yards and the backs will finish it off as we showed. It’s great to see the new players really fitting in with the way we want to play too.

"It always helps when the supporters come out in force. Bristol needs to be back in the Premiership – it’s a massive rugby city.”

On Friday, the side are back in action away at Nottingham.

City Confirm Maynard For Sale

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:14:03 +0000

City have announced that Nicky Maynard has decided against agreeing a new contract and the club will now make him available for sale during January.

The 25-year-old striker is out of contract in the summer of 2012, and talks over a new deal have been going on since the end of last season.

Since arriving at the club in October, manager Derek McInnes has been involved in all discussions with regards to Nicky's contract talks.

"For his own reasons Nicky has made it clear he does not wish to enter into any more discussions at this time."

Derek said: "For some time now Nicky has had a very good offer on the table, showing the club's ambition and our desire to secure his future with us beyond the end of this season.

"For his own reasons Nicky has made it clear he does not wish to enter into any more discussions at this time. As much as I would like to keep Nicky at the club beyond the end of this season, we are left in an unenviable situation.

"We must protect the football club and, therefore, we have no alternative option but to seek offers for Nicky during the forthcoming January transfer window and see what transpires from there."

Nicky joined the club in the summer of 2008 for a club record fee of £2.25m from Crewe Alexandra.

In his 113 appearances for City to date, Nicky has scored an impressive 45 goals - including a 21-goal haul during season 2009/10.

Jos Buttler Named In Lions Squad

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 11:18:21 +0000

The Somerset cricket star has been named in the 16 man England squad for the forthcoming tour to Bangladesh.

The tour will take place in January and consists of a five-match one-day series and two Twenty20s against Bangladesh A.

All 16 members of the Lions squad, that will be captained by James Taylor, who has recently moved to join Nottinghamshire, were selected on the England Performance Programme in October, and have spent the first part of the winter training at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough and are currently continuing their development in India and South Africa.

ECB performance director David Parsons said: "We have selected a young squad for this tour which is in line with our strategy of looking ahead to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and identifying and working with players who may be able to go on and play a role for England in the future. "

"These players have worked extremely hard over the last couple of months with a strong focus on limited-overs cricket. This tour presents a good opportunity for these players to continue to develop their skills in sub-continent conditions on what will no doubt be a challenging tour of Bangladesh as well as push for selection for future England squads."

Following the conclusion of the Bangladesh tour, the Lions will travel for a one-day series against Sri Lanka A, with the squad for that tour announced in January.

The Lions begin their tour in Chittagong won January 6th with a practice match in Chittagong before playing five 50 over matches against Bangladesh A, the first three being at the same venue, before moving onto Sylhet to play the last two, on January 16th and 18th.

The tour party round the trip off with two T20s in Dhaka on January 21st and 23rd.

The full England Lions squad is- James Taylor (Notts), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Scott Borthwick (Durham),Danny Briggs (Hants), Jack Brooks (Northants), Nathan Buck (Leics), Jos Buttler, Alex Hales (Notts), Simon Kerrigan (Lancs), Stuart Meaker (Surrey), Tymal Mills (Essex), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Jason Roy (Surrey) and James Vince (Hants).

Gillingham 4 - 1 Bristol Rovers

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:25:30 +0000

Gas slip to defeat at the Priestfield Stadium.

Rovers boss Paul Buckle said; "We came here in good form and to try to get something from the game, though we knew that we would have to withstand some pressure from Gillingham as they are in a play off place for a reason.

"They had one goal for their troubles in the first half and then we had a penalty decision go against us which saw them double their advantage. I really don't think that one should have been awarded.

"That changed the game, because it gave them a two goal advantage. In the second half we came out and scored a great goal and we were on top, massively on top, at that stage of the game.

"However decisions change games and I don't think anything went for the players today and I'm bitterly disappointed for the team.

"Gillingham are a good side and they put us under pressure early in the game, and got a goal for their troubles, but after that we weathered the storm and then concede a penalty thirty seconds from half time kills you."

The manager lost Matt Harrold before kick off and saw Byron Anthony leave the pitch, with concussion, on 34 minutes.

"Matt was sick at the hotel last night, which is why he didn't start, and then we lost Byron after 34 minutes and at the moment nothing seems to be going for the team.

"However when we pulled a goal back we were all over Gillingham and then we conceded a third goal to an outstanding finish, after a great save from Scott Bevan, before conceding another penalty."

Substitute Cian Bolger, who had replaced Anthony, received a red card for that offence.

"Whilst it might have been a penalty, I wasn't sure that it was a red card offence," said the manager.

The first and third goals might well have been prevented, the first coming after poor marking, the third after Eliot Richards lost possession.

"I don't want the players to be frightened on the ball, or for them to hoof it anywhere. Eliot lost possession and we were punished but, at the same time, decisions change games and I feel that everything went in Gillingham's favour today.

"I'm not taking anything away from their performance, but sometimes in football you get a bad day at the office and that's what we had today."

Rovers now face three games over the Christmas and New Year period, but the manager has been heartened by recent performances.

"We will take strength from our previous three games, and from the heart the players showed today. They never gave up: we played some incredible football and more than played our part in a game where the score wasn't a true reflection of how well we played."

"It's not great for us at the moment and I feel sorry for the players in terms of the amount of effort they put in today. I thought there were two good sides out there and we didn't deserve to lose 4-1.

"I don't know when this run is going to end but all I can say is that I'm proud of the players and the way they performed today in terms of work rate and effort and we have come away with nothing for our troubles."

Bristol City 0 - 0 Nottingham Forest

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:21:12 +0000

Robins held to goaless draw by visitors at Ashton Gate.

Derek McInnes admitted his side lacked sufficient attacking threat to break down a resolute Nottingham Forest side at Ashton Gate today.

City were held to a goalless draw by the team directly below them in the npower Championship table, and were even indebted to goalkeeper David James for keeping the scores level.

The stalemate extended City's winless run to four matches, but kept them above the bottom three ahead of the Boxing Day trip to bottom club Coventry City.

"We were up against a team who came for a point and got their point," Derek said.

"I think if we'd managed to get ourselves in front early on and made the game open up a bit, we could've caused them more problems.

"It's a point, we wanted all three, but it could be a very important point come the end of the season. I don't think the players can do anymore than they're doing to get all three points.

"It's important they keep that belief and it's important the supporters keep with the players as well, because we need to pull together and keep working hard."

Neil Kilkenny was substituted late on for the second game running after taking a blow to the head, but Derek remained lighthearted over his midfielder's fitness.

He said: "He was having double vision. He said he didn't know who he was, so I told him he was Iniesta and to get back on!"

Plymouth Albion 3 - 23 Bristol Rugby

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:44:52 +0000

Top-of-the-table Bristol Rugby made it four RFU Championship victories in succession, coasting to a 23-3 win over Plymouth Albion at Brickfields on Saturday.

Ross Johnston's early score set the tone before Iain Grieve's serious injury spurred his teammates to add a late double through George Watkins and a penalty try.

Liam Middleton's side will be disappointed not to have sealed the bonus point after squandering several excellent opportunities during a dominant display.

Bristol started in sparkling fashion, scoring the opening try inside thirty seconds. Jon Goodridge collected a loose kick inside his own half and evaded several tackles before offloading to William Helu.

The Tongan recycled the ball quickly and Ross Johnston capitalized on the quick ball to crash over from close-range. Tristan Roberts failed with his conversion attempt but Liam Middleton will have been delighted with his side’s start.

Goodridge continued to impress with ball in hand and nearly created another opportunity with a fine counter-attack. The full back latched onto James Merriman’s pass and broke upfield, only for Jack Tovey to be bundled into touch.

In a first half played at breakneck speed, George Watkins jinked through some hapless defending to take Bristol into the 22, before Albion launched a threatening attack of their own through Keni Fisilau.

The visitors probed again when Tristan Roberts’ clever miss-pass found space for Jack Tovey to exploit. The winger thought he had broken clear only for play to be called back for an adjudged forward pass. But, from the resulting scrum, Bristol earned a penalty that was duly dispatched by Tristan Roberts, giving his side an 0-8 lead.

Bristol almost gifted Plymouth a way back into the game when Fautua Otto strayed offside from a Tristan Roberts clearance kick. But James Love couldn’t notch Albion’s first points of the afternoon with a penalty attempt and the chance went begging.

The hosts upped the tempo and came close to breaching the Bristol tryline after Mick McGrath and Michael Stupple combined to take Albion within five metres. But, despite several phases, the visitors held firm and Plymouth had to settle for a James Love penalty to move the score to 3-8.

Bristol should have stretched their advantage on the stroke of half-time, but, with men outside, George Watkins delayed the pass and was wrapped up by a sea of white shirts.

The visitors nearly began the second period in the same way as the first, engineering a gilt-edged opportunity inside the first minute. Jack Tovey darted clear but his long, wide pass to Watkins was scrambled to safety.

Centre Fautua Otto was inches away from breaking free of the stubborn Plymouth defence but the ball squirted loose and Albion cleared their lines. Jack Tovey was next to ask questions of the home defence, although his elegant chip ahead was comfortably dealt with.

The visitors extended their narrow lead soon after when Tristan Roberts struck a penalty goal to give his side breathing space at 3-11. Then, captain Iain Grieve was on the end of a crunching tackle and seemed to suffer a serious injury. The flanker received ten minutes of treatment on the pitch, before leaving the field of play on a stretcher.

In a last-gasp bid to snatch a second try, Bristol launched an attack straight from the restart. Camped in the hosts’ 22, Liam Middleton’s men forced five consecutive scrums before referee Geraint Roberts lost patience and awarded a penalty try. Roberts added the extras to put the game out of reach at 3-18.

The visitors added a second quickfire try when George Watkins capitalized on a loose pass to intercept and run in unchallenged from sixty metres. Matty James saw his conversion attempt ricochet off the upright but the hard-fought win was sealed.

Plymouth Albion:

James Love; Mick McGrath, Bevon Armitage, Keni Fisilau, Steven Johns; Mark Lee, Ruairi Cushion; Luke Cowan-Dickie, Gareth Evan, Ryan Hopkins, Tyler Hotson, Sean-Michael Stephen, Michael Stupple, Sam Hocking, Aaron Carpenter.

Replacements: Paul Rowley (for Ruairi Cushion, 66 mins), Paul Bailey (for Mark Lee, 62 mins), Addison Lockley (for Tyler Hotson, 68 mins), Robbie Dugard (for Ryan Hopkins, 68 mins), Rupert Freestone, David Morton, James Harris.

Bristol Rugby:

Jon Goodridge; Jack Tovey, Fautua Otto, William Helu, George Watkins; Tristan Roberts, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Ross Johnston, Wayne Thompson, Mariano Sambucetti, Roy Winters, Iain Grieve (c), James Merriman, Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Darren Crompton (for Mark Irish, 58 mins), Jason Hobson (for Wayne Thompson, 66 mins), Glen Townson (for Mariano Sambucetti, 54 mins), Marco Mama (for Iain Grieve, 71 mins), Matt Keyte (for Ruki Tipuna, 75 mins), Matty James (for Tristan Roberts, 75 mins).

Referee: Geraint Roberts

Bristol Rovers 1 - 1 Swindon

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:42:56 +0000

Paul Buckle was delighted with the performance put in by his side in weekend derby with Swindon.

In an exciting encounter, Danny Woodards headed home the equaliser just before the final whistle to earn a well deserved point for the Gas.

And the manager also praised the supporters for creating such a good atmosphere.

He said: "I think the result was merited and I think it shows the spirit we are building at the club and the chemistry at the training ground.

"To be successful you have to have those things in place and we are slowly but surely getting there now.

"The players never gave up, they deserved a point, minimum, and the supporters were outstanding.

"They really got behind the team and it was the fighting spirit needed at the end of the game which was needed to get a point in a big derby match.

"I am delighted we got the goal. The fans sung their hearts out at the end and we thank them.

"The players are getting used to playing at the Mem, we are sticking together and today the fans more than played their part today, and I thank everyone of them."

The manager believes his team should have been given a penalty when Matt Harrold appeared to be fouled in the box at the very start of the game.

He said: "We got straight in behind them and in my opinion it was a blatant foul and in my opinion it is a penalty and a sending off and that changes the whole game. It was a massive call and it went against us."

And the manager is pleased with the ways things are starting to come together for his side.

He said: "We are building blocks; you cannot go to Southend and get a point if you have nothing going for you, and certainly cannot go up against a Paolo Di Canio team and score at the end if you have not got something going for you.

"There is a lot going for the club, and we are in the third round of the FA Cup.

"There has been so much work to do and there has been more than meets the eye this season, but I really feel we are getting somewhere."

And next up Rovers face Gillingham, another tough test for the manager and his side.

He said: "We have to look at today's game and take a lot of pride from it and look forward to Gillingham, which will be another tough game.

"This team is capable of going on a run, there is a lot of football to be played yet and if we play with that spirit, passion and quality, we have a good chance of going on a run sooner rather than later."

Derby 2 - 1 Bristol City

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:40:14 +0000

Derek McInnes admitted his team were a long way short of their best after the 2-1 defeat at Derby.

Second half goals from Craig Bryson and Callum Ball gave the hosts victory after Martyn Woolford's opener for City.

"This was definitely a game we should've been winning," Derek said. "It was miles off the standards we've set of late, a poor performance throughout.

"Derby were a team we should've been coming to and playing with more confidence. I didn't think we played at all in the manner that we're capable of.

"I didn't think they were great in the game earlier, but after getting in front we should've been able to see the game out.

"Both goals we lost were very poor, a poor reflection on all of us. There's jobs that need to be done that weren't done today, and we need to get back to that."

City's afternoon was also blighted by injuries to Ryan McGivern and Neil Kilkenny, who were both substituted in the second half.

Derek said: "He [McGivern] opened his leg up in the first half in a 50/50 tackle. It was a problem he'd had prior to the Millwall game and he'd been fine with it, but he just felt it.

"Kilkenny wanted to stay on the pitch but his movement wasn't quite there, so that's why we made the change.

"That sums up a poor day but the performance and result is the biggest disappointment."

Bristol Rovers v Swindon

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:11:06 +0000

Paul Buckle knows that his team will have to be at their best to beat League Two high flyers.

The manager is hoping that his team will build on the results at Southend and Totton and record their first back to back wins of the season.

There is a lot of confidence in the camp following the emphatic win in the FA Cup last weekend.

The manager said: "Wins boost confidence, especially wins with six goals. The players were disappointed to concede, which shows how professional they have been.

"We have to try now to forget about what has gone before, and we have to concentrate on the game Saturday.

"We have put the FA Cup to bed now, we have a great draw and will look forward to that when it comes around, but ultimately we have to concentrate on the 90 minutes.

"We have to start right, like we did against Totton, and be strong and solid, then we know we are going to be a threat.

"We have not struggled to score goals as a rule, so the first thing we have to look for is a clean sheet and then go from there.

"There is a good feeling around the place, and that is what we need."

Swindon are on a very good run at the moment, but the manager believes that if his team can be a huge threat if they can combine the resilience they showed at Southend with the goal scoring prowess seen at Totton.

He said: "They are on a fantastic run and it is going to be similar to when we played Southend.

"Against Southend we were resilient, and against Totton we had the cutting edge, so it is about getting those two working together side by side, and if we do that we have a very good chance.

"If the boys stay in that mood we can cause Swindon problems. I think they will know they are in for a tough game, we are a good side, we just have to make sure we get a good start and stay strong throughout the game.

"Swindon didn't start the season well, it took them a number of games to get up and running, and it shows you that once you can win a couple, the momentum is there.

"We feel we have got some really good players at our club, they showed that under pressure in front of the TV cameras on Sunday, and we have got to find that consistency.

"There is no better way to do that than against our local rivals, and I am sure it is going to be one hell of a game. They have got a lot of strengths and quality in their side, but so have we."

There will be the same players available as there was last weekend, as there is no one back from injury.

But the manager is happy with the players who have stepped up, especially Eliot Richards.

He said: "I have not got anyone back at the moment who has been out recently. That is not a problem, especially after the performance on Sunday.

"We are looking forward to the game now and getting down to the preparation.

"We are expecting a really good atmosphere at the Mem and hopefully we can continue where we left off.

"Eliot is not disappointing. He has played in a number of positions because of the problems we have had this year, and he has done great.

"We have good competition for places even though we only have a small number."

And the manager knows that the fans have a big part to play on Saturday.

He said: "I am sure it is going to be a fabulous atmosphere. Our fans are famous for their support, and it is up to us to go out on the front foot and excite them.

"They play a major role, that is why they are called the 12th man. We know we want to put in a good performance at home and get a win.

"The fans play a major role, they know that and we know that, they did that again for us on Sunday, and we thank them for that."

Derby County v Bristol City

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:06:36 +0000

Robins travel to Derby in the Championship on form despite loss against Middlesbrough.

Malaury Martin's last-minute free kick for Boro on Saturday condemned City to a first loss in seven Championship matches, but Derek McInnes is adamant his team are ready to return to winning ways at Pride Park tomorrow.

"That would be nice," he said. "It's certainly a game we'll be going to try and win, as we do every game. Hopefully we can bounce back from a disappointing result but not a disappointing performance against Middlesbrough.

"It's going to be a tough match. Derby will see it as a game they could win and hopefully we go there and put in a level of performance we're all pleased with and come back to Bristol with three points.

"We've looked at Derby and prepared well this week. The games are coming up thick and fast now so we're trying to get the balance right with enough rest days to make sure we get that intensity in training and in games."

The manager was keen to stress the importance of morale, insisting his team are in the right frame of mind to dismiss the Boro defeat as no more than a temporary blip.

Derek said: "What is the alternative? Moping about and feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to get the job done. Even from losing the goal on Saturday, right from the kick-off we had our sleeves up and a bit of action around the goal, and that kind of response is what we're looking for.

"We're not going to win every game we play, but we've always got to make sure that we're working hard, respond in the right manner and show an enthusiasm to play.

"Sometimes it easy when you're winning, but when you lose a game it's all about how you respond to it. I've no doubt from the way the players have been this week in training that their approach will be spot on."

Former Somerset Cricketer Speaks Out About Mental Health

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:34:02 +0000

Luke Sutton has decided to retire from the game after an on-going battle with depression.

The Keynsham born player says he made the decision after an exhausting 2011 cricket season after which Derbyshire’s wicketkeeper-batsman and club captain sought treatment for depression and anxiety.

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman said, "I have been aware for some time that I have problems with certain aspects of my mental health. I have always pushed myself to the limit but I reached a point that it was having an adverse affect on my relationships with my family and colleagues, and my health in general.

"Although as a professional sportsman it is extremely embarrassing to admit to a weakness, I’m proud to have found the strength of character to seek treatment, enabling me now to feel extremely positive about my future.

"I’ve had a brilliant time over my 14 years in the game, and a number of other important reasons have led me to decide to retire. In addition to concerns about my own health, my two-year-old daughter has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and the growing success and, therefore, pressure of my business has forced me to take a long look at my future. I've recently undergone hand surgery which has also played its part in this decision. Upon reflection, and although a difficult decision, it is the right time to move on.”

Sutton appeared in 176 first-class matches, 167 List A games and 30 t20s. He made a career-best 151 not out against Yorkshire in 2006 and captained Derbyshire in four of his six years with the club, taking them from bottom of the pile in 2010 to a much-improved showing and fifth place in Division Two last term.

”I have made some incredible friends in the game,” said the former Millfield School and Durham University man. "I thank each and every one of them for making it a genuinely amazing experience.

"In particular I’d like to thank the squad and members at Derbyshire for their great support and encouragement during my time at the club.

"I have thought long and hard about this decision, and I know it is for the best of the club. I genuinely don't feel I would be able to fulfill my position at the club to the level that I know is required. I have great affection for Derbyshire CCC and I wish the club every success for the future.”

"I’d like to thank everyone I’ve shared a field with over the past decade or so. I now look forward to the next chapter of my working life with Activate Sport and also spending more time with my wife Jude and twins Albie and Amelie.

"I will be making no further comment for now as I need to focus on my recovery, my family and my new life after cricket and I would ask that everyone respect my privacy and allow me and my family the time and distance that we need. As soon as I’m ready, I will talk further about my experiences.”

Derbyshire Chairman Chris Grant said: "Luke’s retirement was unexpected but we respect his decision and thank him for his efforts during his two spells with Derbyshire.

"With the changes that were made at the Club during the 2011 season, we appreciate it was a testing year for Luke, and on a personal level I would like to thank him for his loyal support.

"I speak for everybody connected with the Club in saying that I wish Luke all the very best in his continued recovery and in his future endeavours with Activate Sport. "

Bristol Rugby v Leeds Carnegie

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 10:19:51 +0000

Bristol Rugby look for a third successive league win against Leeds at the Memorial Stadium.

Bristol Rugby make three changes to the starting line-up as Liam Middleton shuffles his pack ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leeds Carnegie at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Head Coach hands a first start to Jason Harris-Wright, while George Watkins returns to action after a two-game absence.

In the backline, Jack Tovey retains his place on the wing after a solid display against London Scottish. Elsewhere, Junior Fatialofa and Fautua Otto continue their impressive midfield partnership.

Jason Harris-Wright makes his first start at hooker, while Dan Montagu comes in at no.8 with Iain Grieve switching to flanker. Josh Ovens will feature for parent club Bath in their Aviva Premiership fixture with Sale on Saturday, so is unavailable for selection this week.

On the replacements bench, Middleton opts for a five forwards and two backs split with Ross Johnston named in the 22-man squad after completing his suspension.

Bristol Rugby team to face Leeds Carnegie at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday 4 December (3pm KO):

Sean Marsden; George Watkins, Fautua Otto, Junior Fatialofa, Jack Tovey; Tristan Roberts, Ruki Tipuna; Mark Irish, Jason Harris-Wright, Jason Hobson, Mariano Sambucetti, Roy Winters, Iain Grieve (c), James Merriman, Dan Montagu.

Replacements: Ross Johnston, Wayne Thompson, Darren Crompton, Darren Barry, Marco Mama, Tom Slater, Matty James.