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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Comeback nears, CEO limbs, Barton rage and moments missed from Bristol Rovers' win at Scunthorpe

Away wins have been so rare for Bristol Rovers in recent times that Gasheads will take them however they come, even if that means enduring a nail-biting finish that never seemed to be on the cards.

The Gas were cruising at 3-0 up with less than two minutes of the 90 to play on Tuesday, yet they found themselves clinging onto the victory at Scunthorpe United in the final seconds.

Ultimately, the travelling Gasheads did not care once the final whistle had blown, with Joey Barton's side making it four games unbeaten to narrow the deficit to League Two play-off places on an eventful night in Lincolnshire.

Here are some of the moments you may have missed at Glanford Park...

Returning to the fold

Before the warm-up began, one Gas player was seen on the pitch. That man was Harvey Saunders, who had travelled as the spare man in the squad and completed an intense workout with one of Rovers' fitness coaches.

Saunders then joined in with his teammates when they emerged from the tunnel to warm-up, playing a full part in the session.

The forward's ankle injury is fully healed and his return to action was put back a few weeks by a broken bone in his hand, but his inclusion in the travelling squad – even if he did not make the bench – is a strong indication that his comeback after more than three months out is imminent.

Competition for places on Rovers' forward line has increased greatly since Saunders last played, but his outings earlier in the season showed he brings something different: a burst of speed and a relentless work rate that could come in handy down the stretch.

Harvey Saunders' shirt in the away dressing room at Scunthorpe. (Ryan Crockett/JMP)

Away end antics

With away travel laid on for free by Wael Al-Qadi, there was a lively atmosphere in the away end all night.

Before kick-off, there was a stark difference in vibes emanating from either end of the ground. If the away fans' were powered by optimism, there was a defeatist feeling on the home terrace.

After all, Scunthorpe had lost four on the trot without scoring, and it showed when an attempt to build the atmosphere with Jeff Beck's Hi Ho Silver Lining was hijacked by the travelling Gasheads.

The away end continued to provide the soundtrack throughout the first half with only grumbles of frustration offered by the home fans.

One Gashead, Bristol Live's fan columnist Benji Deane, was summoned onto the pitch for the half-time entertainment. His crossbar challenge try was commendable yet off-target, but his attempt at the dizzy penalty was shambolic, not even completing the full 10 spins required and being beaten to the ball by the Scunthorpe representative with ease.

Back in the stands, Rovers attacked towards their fans in the second half, with CEO Tom Gorringe and several of the club's commercial staff in amongst it after making the trip on the supporters' club coaches.

They were jubilant when Rovers added their second goal, with Antony Evans serenaded after netting his fifth league goal of the season. The chant may have been debuted at Swindon, but the uncovered terrace at the County Ground killed the noise.

They could be loud and clear at Scunny though, and on current form, Zinedine Zidane would not begrudge being considered second best to the Scouse maestro.

No-one is safe

Barton may have his trusted lieutenants, but no-one in his squad is safe from a rocket from the technical area.

Not even club captain Paul Coutts, who was on the receiving end of a verbal volley from his manager just before half time.

The game has taken a chaotic turn after Rovers’ opening goal, with the Gas swarming forward in search of more.

With the play stretched as added time approached, it was a time for cool heads to ensure no naive mistakes crept in to open the door for a Scunthorpe counter.

So when Coutts cheaply gave possession away in front of the dugouts, Barton made clear his displeasure by shouting in gesticulating in Coutts’ direction. The Scotsman appeared to offer a comment on his defence, but Barton had the final word.

Coutts may be a senior member of the squad, but Barton is not prejudiced in dishing out rollickings.

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