Bristol Rovers Vs Wycombe Wanderers, Memorial Stadium, Bristol, Sky Bet League 2, Saturday 19th October 2013, 3:00pm Kick Off please log in to view this image Vs please log in to view this image Wycombe Wanderers Season So Far Current League Position - 9th PLD 11 W 5 D 2 L 4 GD 3 Pts 17 Current League Form W D L L W The Gas Season So Far Current League Position - 20th Pld 11 W 2 D 4 L 5 GD -5 Pts 10 Current League Form - L D D L D
So then, 2 new recruits should give us a boost! Will Packwood start along side Parkes? Or Will Lockyer keep his place at CD? Who will play at LB replacing the injured Brown? Will Henshall start on the wing? He has bags of pace! About time we have this type of player in our squad.
Previous home meetings with Wycombe: May 2005 - Rovers 1-0 Wycombe - Last game of the season, not much of a game but Richard Walker's early header from an Alex Jeannin (remember him?) cross settled it. December 2005 - Rovers 1-2 Wycombe - 1:30 kick-off on new years eve. Tommy Mooney was influential, giving Wycombe a 2-0 lead just after half time. Despite a brilliant Walker goal and a subsequent onslaught we couldn't find an equaliser. August 2006 - Rovers 1-2 Wycombe - A poor performance. All the goals in the second half, with Kevin Betsy rounding Steve Phillips to score, and Mooney scoring a wonderful chip. James Hunt scored our consolation, his final Rovers goal. January 2010 - Rovers 2-3 Wycombe - A topsy-turvy game, but frankly Wycombe ran out deserved winners. Our own Matt Harrold gave Wycombe the lead with a penalty after Stuart Campbell was penalised for handball, but Rovers led at half time through two fantastic goals by Chris Lines that were out of keeping with our performance. The first one was a free-kick, before he found the top corner from 25 yards. Another penalty gave Wycombe the equaliser (can't remember who scored it but it was given for a foul by Danny Coles), and they won it with Stuart Beavan's header, which Campbell couldn't clear off the line despite his best efforts. February 2013 - Rovers 1-0 Wycombe - A 5th win from 6 games under John Ward was secured by ryan Brunt's volley in the first half, and we held on despite second half pressure from Wycombe.
John Ward on Saturday's game John Ward is hoping his team can build on their recent progress when Wycombe Wanderers visit the Memorial Stadium this weekend. The manager admits he would be happy with a scrappy win, but would prefer his team to play well and win. He said: “We played ok against Fleetwood, especially in the second half, we just got caught by a few mistakes at the end. “We bounced back very strongly and positively against Mansfield. With a bit more clinical finished, we would of won the game. “We didn’t, so that is something we have to improve on, but the performance and the players were very good. That now pushes us on to this home game. “While we respect Wycombe, who have some very lively players, we are ok with our home form, and we have to replicate that and improve it. “If we play not very well and win, I would take that, but I would rather play well and win. We want to move the ball about like we did last week. “We are creating enough chances, we just need to finish them off. We have got people who can score in the team, we have just got to be a bit more clinical.” The manager will have a much bigger squad to choose from for the game. The two loan signings Alex Henshall and Will Packwood, will be joined by Ellis Harrison and Seanan Clucas who return from international duty. Lee Brown could also be available, after his hamstring problem was not as serious as first feared. John said: “We don’t think Lee Brown’s injury is going to be a long term one. He has a full range of movement, which suggests it is not a full blown hamstring strain. “He is going to go out training today, and he has had treatment and light training this week, and we are hoping he can get out run and kick a ball at full stretch. “There is a good chance he will be involved on Saturday, and he wants to be there.” And John knows that Wycombe will provide a threat in front of goal on Saturday. He said: “They have some lively players, and Gareth Ainsworth has done a great job. “They are a lively team, and a bright team, and if they get the upper hand on you, then they will make it pay. “We know we have some work to do and that starts today. I know Gareth, he wants to attack, and I want to attack, and I think it is going to be a good game.”
Bristol Rovers youngsters Ellis Harrison and Seanan Clucas returned from international duty unscathed. New loan signings Will Packwood and Alex Henshall are available to make their debuts while Lee Brown has recovered from a hamstring problem. Dean Morgan and Steven Craig are back in training and should be available to Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth. Defender Leon Johnson (thigh) is still out, but otherwise Ainsworth has a clean bill of health. VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND Bristol Rovers manager John Ward told BBC Radio Bristol: "Gareth Ainsworth has done a good job at Wycombe. I always think they're a bright and lively team. "If they get the upper hand on you then you can pay. "But at the same time I'm sure Gareth is looking and thinking it's a tricky game. "At some stage, with us playing the way we are, we're going to get a couple of goals and beat someone well." Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth told BBC Three Counties Radio: "Bristol Rovers had a very similar season to us last year - we were both bottom of the league at one stage, but John Ward came in and has changed a lot around. "They are a big club, with big funds, and well-supported, and I think they will be one of the top teams come the second part of the season. "I shut the training ground on Monday [because of illness] because I didn't want any more cross-contamination, but we seemed to get everybody back fresh on Tuesday. "Winning on Saturday [against Torquay] was superb, and hopefully we have turned a few heads and can carry this run on."
All you need to know ahead of tomorrow's game. The Opposition: Wycombe currently sit in 9th place in the league, just two points off the play off places. The Blues will go into the game full of confidence following back to back victories over Bristol City, and Torquay United, but Rovers will also be looking to build on the improved performance of late. Gareth Ainsworth will be able to call upon Gary Doherty and Matt McClure again this weekend for the trip to Bristol Rovers. The pair missed Saturday’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Torquay United due to illness. Jo Kuffour will also be available to play against his old side. Elsewhere, Ainsworth will continue to monitor strike pair Dean Morgan and Steven Craig, but Leon Johnson has been ruled out. John Ward’s Comments: “They have some lively players, and Gareth Ainsworth has done a great job. “They are a lively team, and a bright team, and if they get the upper hand on you, then they will make it pay. “We know we have some work to do and that starts today. I know Gareth, he wants to attack, and I want to attack, and I think it is going to be a good game.” Opposition View: Manager Gareth Ainsworth told their official website: “They did very well last season. They were bottom of the league at one stage, but John Ward went in and changed a lot. “He’s a well-respected manager and has been around the lower leagues and done well. He knows his stuff and knows how to win games. I think they’re in a false position and I think they are better than they are currently showing. “It will be very tough, but hopefully we can do both Bristols in a month - I don’t think many teams will do that this year! “That’s the aim, but we have to respect them. They’re a big side and well organised and they’ll be up for it. “It’s always a hostile atmosphere, but I’m looking forward to it. When we get there we’ll be doing it right and hopefully stamping our game on them.” Last Meeting: Bristol Rovers 1-0 Wycombe Wanderers (16th February 2013). Ryan Brunt got the only goal of the game to secure all three points for Rovers. Team News: The manager will have a much bigger squad to choose from for the game. The two loan signings Alex Henshall and Will Packwood, will be joined by Ellis Harrison and Seanan Clucas who return from international duty. Lee Brown could also be available, after his hamstring problem was not as serious as first feared. Tickets: Fans are being reminded that they have until 5pm on Friday to get their Early Bird tickets for Saturday's League Two fixture against Wycombe. Supporters can save £2 on normal match day prices by buying their tickets in advance. Tickets are still available from either of the clubs' two retail outlets - Pirate Leisure at the Memorial Stadium and the Supporters Club shop in Kingswood. Live Commentary: Unable to make the trip to the Memorial Stadium tomorrow? Then you can follow all the action from 3pm as Bristol Rovers take on Wycombe LIVE on Gas Player. Betting: Rovers are 11/8 to take all three points against Wycombe tomorrow. You can get 6/1 on Ryan Brunt to score the first goal, or perhaps you fancy us to get another 1-0 win like the last time Wycombe visited the Mem (15/2). Bristol Rovers will benefit as you bet throughout the season, so make sure you open your Sky Bet account via www.skybet.com/bristolrovers
We definately need to pick up all three points on offer on Saturday regardless of the opposition just to ensure we do not drop into the relegation zone. Like Ward a Scruffy win will do! COR View attachment 27007
we got accrington on tuesday. could be our 1st win on the road this season. that puts daylight between us and the bottom club. next weekend we have chesterfield. that wont be easy. think we will have a confidence boost tomorrow vs wickham. the way we played at mansfield and the new signings, i think we be up for this game. 3 points at stanley as well. 6 points from next 2 games is achievable.
"next weekend we have chesterfield" IMO we need at least 4pts from the next two games can't see us getting anything up there
Well I'm off to the caf for a big **** off breakfast then to town for a few pints before the game. 2-1 win by my reckoning. UTG
