That impossible looks possible as Bristol Rovers’ charge continues on the table. Another double header brought maximum points as the gas stormed towards League Two Summit.
The Rovers started the week knowing that a win over Colchester would see them in the playoffs for the first time this season. With the teams playing directly above each other, three points were needed to get us into the top 7. It will never be easy, however, against a side that held a previously ill-disciplined version of Rovers earlier in the season.
Colchester surprised Rovers a bit. They had a clear game plan and stuck to it well. Visitors were measured in their pressure; choosing the right times to close Rovers players and make us lure mistakes by forcing us to move the ball faster.
They were also efficient in their organization, with solid banks of four that were hard to break. At the other end of the field, they caused us more problems than I expected and were able to score in another night.
There was always something special needed to open up the Colchester defense. Step forward to Elliot Anderson. What more can I say? He had one thing on his mind as he received the ball and ran through the opposition as a skier on the alpine slopes ran through the opponents. He once again produced magic when his team really needed it. His contribution was significant on Tuesday evening and even more so within the table.
I was impressed with Antony Evans for different reasons than usual. He was more effective at the upper end of the field, but this time showed tough determination in his defensive duties. He typically starved through the team, proved to be solid in the tackle and tireless in his desire to win.
The Rovers once again found a way, as not everything went their way. Individual quality and a really strong work ethic have seen us through a game we did not have a few months ago. We fought hard, got our rewards and continued the momentum we built up in the second half of the season. Rovers finally won the play-off places for the first time after 37 games.
That set up a linguistic six point against Northampton, who were sitting on the automatic seats. We had a chance to stop our rivals in their tracks and push ourselves higher into the league through that. How nice it is for these six points to be at the bottom right of the table for once.
There are three safeguards in life: death, taxes and impressive rovers away following. 1,400 Gasheads made up a quarter of the Sixfields audience and were in a good mood from start to finish. Our initial allocation was sold out and we are also sold out after the second allocation. Every time the Rovers take to the streets, our fans go out in their numbers and play their part in our success this season.
Northampton represent a tough test for Rovers. They are efficient in what they do – using the height in their team to their advantage and relying on the right delivery from Mitch Pinnock. They’re where they are in the league for a reason, but Rovers already had it when they played against their kind tactics.
Scoring with less than a minute on the clock triggered incredible scenes in the outing. After a short tussle with the defender, Harry Anderson finally tucked the ball home. I can not remember that we shot so early for a while and the feeling as it happened was absolutely ecstatic.
The difficulty with marking so early is that it puts you on the back burner. A good side will come tirelessly to you if they have fallen behind and Northampton have done just that. They had the wind advantage in the first half and worked out a handful of good chances, but the Rovers were resolute.
Rovers thank James Belshaw for their clean sheet. He made an incredible save in the first half, somehow reaching a shot that was destined for the top corner and that was thrown away. I was sitting on the line of the shot and it looked like an incredible rescue in the flesh.
But his lake was the stand-out on an afternoon where Northampton pumped a myriad of balls behind him. He took care of everyone, hitting every ball forward and eliminating the danger to Rovers. He commands the defense so well and I like his professionalism – keeping warm by doing various exercises to stay ready and stay alert. His passion is amazing to see.
Evans was once again on the spot with his dark tackle. His commitment to the cause is unlikely and he contributes in a different way in recent games. His tackle drew the roars of the Rovers crowd and he was clearly inflated. The physical side of his game has come to leaps and bounds in recent months.
Connor Taylor and James Connolly were once again at the heart of the defense. Both were absolute rocks. Taylor won every header, Connolly won every battle and Northampton had no way past them. The latter was impressive with his physicality, especially since he is much smaller than his colleague.
Most gratifying, however, was the collective unity at Sixfields. The players pumped their fists when we won big moments in the game and the fire for the goal showed a real cooperation and team spirit.
The final flood, however, was perhaps the best moment of all. Players carried their pride over victory to the face, with a plethora of fist pumps, the badge hit on the chest and also around the power. I absolutely love these things like most gasheads and I’ve watched the final refugee movie a few times, along with that Sam Finley horse party.
Most importantly, the Rovers finished fourth in the table with eight games to go. These are heights that are never believed to be possible for the first half of the season. We started the week outside of the top seven and they almost came in automatically. We might as well stop there by the end of the week if all goes well.
Rovers also have form on their side. We sit at the 5, 10, 15 and 25 game form tables. When you consider how bad the first half of the season was, this is quite incredible. We have averaged 2 PPGs since 20 games ago and even have 2.5 in the last 10. To not only maintain our form, but to improve, is something special.
Speaking of something special, Rovers only need that one Saturday against a Form Carlisle side. They have won four and drawn one of their last five and are flying under their new manager. But the gas will march into the city with the wind in their sails, and will retreat to beat any team against which they play. Beat Carlisle, and something magical could happen.
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