Victory in final pre-season game. Bristol Rovers beat Reading 2-1 in an entertaining pre-season game at the Memorial Stadium this afternoon. The Pirates took the lead through Eliot Richards against the run of play, and doubled their lead just before the half time whistle thanks to Dave Clarkson. Reading pulled one back in the second half, thanks to a wonder strike from Garath McCleary, but Rovers were able to end pre-season with an impressive win. A small crowd were there to see John-Joe OâToole play his first game back for Rovers after signing a three-year deal with the club in midweek. Reading felt they could have had a penalty in the early stages after Jake Taylor was brought down in the box. And the Royals then missed a golden opportunity to take the lead after McCleary beat two men to send in a low cross, but Pavel Pogrebnyak missed open goal from point blank range and fired over the bar. The visitors then had another chance to open the scoring, as they put Rovers under some early pressure, but Akpanâs shot from the edge of the box was fired straight at Mildenhall Rovers then took the lead against the run of play. Harrison put a cross into the box, which was met by the head of Parkes who put the ball into the path of Richards to tap home past a stranded Stuart Taylor. A great ball from Norurn put Harrision through on a good run, but his shot was sliced wide of the right post. Then a cross from Harrison, across the face of goal, managed to narrowly avoid every Rovers player in the box. Rovers then made an early substitution, taking off Matt Harrold as a precaution; he was replaced by Mitch Harding. A cross into the box from Michael Smith was met by the head of substitute Harding, but he put the effort narrowly wide. Rovers then doubled their lead seconds before the half time whistle. A pass from Smith found Clarkson who shot home from close range. Rovers came out all fired up for the second half, with Harrison blasting over from close range, after some good work down the left from Harding. Harding was looking impressive up front, combining well with strike partner Clarkson. Reading then pulled a goal back thanks to a fantastic 25 yard curling effort from the dangerous Garath McCleary, who smashed home past Mildenhall. Ward then made a number of substitutions, with Clarkson, Harrison, OâToole, McChrsytal and Norburn all brought off early ahead of the start of the season next week. More good work down the left from Harding set up Lee Brown on the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked. Rovers worked hard and defended well to hold on to the lead and claim victory. The result will be massive confidence boost going into the first game of the season against Exeter next weekend. Bristol Rovers: Steve Mildenhall, Michael Smith, Tom Parkes, Mark McChrystal (Tom Lockyer), Lee Brown, Ellis Harrison (Alefe Santos), John-Joe O'Toole (George Rigg), Oliver Norburn (Pat Keary), Eliot Richards, Dave Clarkson (Shaquille Hunter), Matt Harrold (Mitch Harding). Substitutes: Conor Gough, Jordan Goddard, Josh Southway, George Rigg, Jake Green Reading: Stuart Taylor, Chris Gunter (Sean Long), Shaun Cummings, Adrian Mariappa, Kaspars Gorkss, Hope Akpan (Gozie Ugwu), Lawson D'Ath, Garath McCleary (Craig Tanner), Jake Taylor, Jordan Obita, Pavel Pogrebnyak. Substitutes: Jonathan Henly, Natthew Patridge, Pierce Sweeney, Aaron Tshibola.
An entertaining game. Obviously not a full strength Reading side but still very sharp and skilful. Like Derby their passing was quick and accurate and running off the ball good. Nevertheless we matched them and marginally deserved the win. O'Toole is the final piece of the jigsaw. Not everything he does works but, a little like Campbell, he keeps the machine running.......and is far more attack minded. Bit of a worry that Harrold was the only player to come off in the first half...hopefully only a twinge. Neither 'keeper had a save of note to make. Our two goals were both well fashioned. I'm glad we haven't had an influx of players; there are clear signs that this group is striking up a good pattern of play. A heartening display.
Not a bad game today I think 2-2 would have been a fair result but oh well a bit of luck come our way (for once!) Mildenhall - 7 didn't have a lot to do, commanded his box well and seemed to have his defence well organised. Smith - 8 motm- looked sharp and ready, made a few good forward runs, you can see how much he's progressed since arriving. The reading winger didn't beat him once today which is great to see , championship clubs will come sniffing around soon if he keeps this up. Parks - 7 thought he would of slimmed down abit over the summer but ward must want him bulky, good game today won all of his 50/50 headers and kept a good striker from being a threat, he also played a part in the first goal so good game all round McChrystal -7 looked sharp and fit, communicated well with the defence and looked solid which is brilliant as I think this will be our biggest asset this season. Brown - 6 thought he had a good 2nd half, got forward well and whipped a few good balls into the box, 1 st half was a different story thought their number 12 gave him and Ellis a horrid time and beat them both on a number of occasions it was his thought that reading should of had a goal, thankfully he missed a sitter! But he looked fit and ready for the season, hopefully he won't be coming up against wingers of that quality for awhile. Harrison - 6 a few good runs and crosses also had one decent shot but defended poorly and that's a risk we can't afford to take a few more bench appearances needed IMO Looked much fitter and stronger though so keep it up Ellis! Norburn - 6.5 went about his business in a quiet manor never really stood out but he rarely does so standard performance from him. John jo - 7 standard John jo performance, adds a little bit of quality to the team and battles well which IMO we've missed since Campbell left, a few miss placed passes but nothing that concerns me. Great reception for him at the start and when he was subbed. Richards - 7 took his goal well worked hard, didn't really shine much when Harold was on because of the hoof ball but when it come down to the floor he looked much better. Make or break season for him. Harrold - 6 looked in good shape for some one who's been injured for a long period of time, held the ball up well, his touch seems to be just as good if not better you rarely see a ball bounce off him. shame about his injury but it did stop us playing hoof ball. Clarkson - 7.5 looked much fitter and sharp, we might finally see him fulfil his potential this season. Again took his goal well and linked up well with Harold and Harding. Harding - 6.5 - only rating him out of all the subs as he was the one who was on longest. A lot of people have been praising him a lot on the forums tonight but I don't think he looked all that great, he made some very good runs dont get me wrong but his crossing was poor twice he broke through on the wing had ages to cross it and both were poor, I also thought he looked tired which is poor considering he only played 45 minutes. He was also a bit negative when attacking, always looking for the pass or safe option I think if he took a risk today he could of grabbed a goal. Still young though and has a lot to learn so great practice today! And like Ellis looks like he's hit the gym a bit.
Good summary 'Danny'. Harding's first touch let him down a few times too. But I think I'd pick him ahead of Richards, who shows few signs of 'coming good'. Agree about Smith. He seldom has a poor game now. Clarkson could be a pivotal player this season. He really looks up for it.
According to Ward in today's Bristol Post he felt a slight groin strain.....came off straight away. He thinks that Harrold will be ok for Saturday.
i thought it was a good game. if we can perform this to this level against the better sides we should do well. hopefully we got enough about us to beat the struggling teams if we dont perform ourselves.
