Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle played out a dramatic 2-2 draw yesterday, with the Gas scoring in stoppage time to take a point.
It was an action-packed game on the pitch, with both teams giving it their all in what proved to be a blood-and-thunder encounter.
Yet what about off it? With the press box in between both sets of supporters, we got a unique insight into the atmosphere at Home Park.
Bristol Rovers
Gas fans were pretty loud throughout. From belting out Goodnight Irene as the teams were coming out, to giving Alfie Kilgour a rousing ovation at the end, there were probably a few sore throats making their way back home on Saturday evening.
The sold-out away end at Home Park was in good voice, and it was noticeable that, when the Gas first went a goal down, Rovers fans upped their volume as their team responded well. It was only really towards the end of the game, when it looked like Rovers were going to suffer their first league loss this month, that fans understandably became a little more subdued.
However, both goals prompted utter scenes of jubilation in the away end, and it was Rovers fans that were chanting the loudest come the final whistle.
Perhaps it was due to a small minority of Rovers fans trying to wind up the Plymouth supporters and getting some verbals back, but both goals were celebrated wildly. It was a strong show of support from the Gas.
47 amazing photos from Bristol Rovers' dramatic draw with Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle
There are currently just three stands in operation at Home Park, with one of them currently being stripped and renovated. Whilst that no doubt has an impact on the atmosphere for smaller games, it actually had a positive effect on things on Saturday, with fans being bunched in together in the three remaining stands, creating a tense, hostile atmosphere.
The fans sat nearest the away end were keen to give back to Rovers fans as good as they got – prompting a few very unsavoury comments, but it also reflected the hard-fought game that was happening on the pitch.
Plymouth’s main set of singing fans seemed to be at the opposite end of the pitch to Rovers fans and really came to life in the second half. Yet all three stands found their voice at different points, which added a good dynamic to the atmosphere.
Whilst Plymouth fans were understandably downbeat at the final whistle, they were in good voice throughout the game, creating the sort of atmosphere that fed off what was going on on the pitch.
