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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
David Byrom

Jack Bonham shows why Bristol Rovers need to sign him permanently but other positions also need strengthening - Post-Fleetwood Town talking points

Bristol Rovers are safe from relegation after yesterday's goalless draw with Fleetwood Town.

Here's the talking points from a scrappy game that was blighted by a strong wind.

Rovers safe

After Easter weekend's disappointment saw the Gas looking over their shoulders a little, they are finally mathematically safe. The point, combined with results elsewhere, has secured their League One safety with a game to spare. Credit must go to Graham Coughlan, his staff and the players for the dramatic turnaround in form from December when the Gas were languishing in the bottom four - to guarantee survival a game in advance is an impressive achievement. This game won't live long in the memory but there were some celebratory scenes post-match.

Proud Graham Coughlan reflects on securing Bristol Rovers' safety in League One with game to spare 

Jack Bonham superb

The Rovers goalkeeper has been outstanding this season and showcased his fine form once again against Fleetwood. He made a superb double save early on and then tipped an effort onto the post in the second half before twice saving from Ched Evans late on. In difficult conditions for goalkeeping, his distribution was top notch and he was assured throughout. It's difficult to imagine where Rovers would be without him this season and, with his Brentford contract expiring in the summer, there will be a fair few suitors after him - with his performances this season, Gas fans will be hoping the club can tie him down to a permanent deal.

Defensive resolve does it again for Rovers

Tom Lockyer of Bristol Rovers wins a header above Ched Evans of Fleetwood Town (Matt McNulty/JMP)

This was Rovers' 18th clean sheet of the season. That's an incredibly impressive number for a side battling against relegation and their defensive resolve is a large part of why Rovers are now safe this season. As mentioned, Jack Bonham has been superb in goal, but all of the defence have played their part, particularly the central defensive duo of Tom Lockyer and Tony Craig. Both impressed at Highbury and that sort of partnership should give Graham Coughlan a solid foundation to build from for next season.

Evans against Lockyer

Ched Evans and Tom Lockyer clashed in the game at the Mem earlier in the season, which resulted in the Fleetwood striker seeing red. The duo were at it again on Saturday, partaking in a niggly, but engrossing, battle that the Gas defender came out on top of. Things came to a head late on when both were booked after an off-the-ball incident that saw Evans end up on the floor holding his face, with Lockyer saying post-match he felt the striker had tried to deceive the officials.

Brilliant Jack Bonham stands tall for Bristol Rovers - Player ratings from Fleetwood 

Need wide men in summer

Rovers' attacking spirit in recent times has been nullified by a lack of quality on the wings. Liam Sercombe said in the week that he felt his form has suffered from having to play on the wing, and, whilst he looked dangerous on the right against Fleetwood, it is easy to see his point. Tareiq Holmes-Dennis started on the left but he has been unable to recapture the brilliant form he showed when he first came into the side on the wing, and is clearly more suited to being a left-back. Alex Rodman is the only true winger the club have and his season has been hit by injury. It is an area they need to improve in the summer, particularly with Jonson Clarke-Harris' proven prowess in the box.

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