It was a strange final day to the season for Bristol Rovers; on the one hand they reserved one of their best performances of the campaign to beat a Championship-bound team in Barnsley, in dramatic style no less, but on the other, news of Tom Lockyer's wish to leave the club and the overall future of the team left an element of uncertainity.
That said, when surveying the mess at clubs like Plymouth and Scunthorpe who were sent spiralling into League Two, it should be time for celebration as well as reflection. Ultimately, after a campaign of considerable struggle, Rovers got the job done and with time to spare.
Here are the talking points following the 2-1 victory at the Mem.
Midfield provide hope for next season
It was a strong performance to end a poor season for Rovers. Since Graham Coughlan has become manger Rovers have been much improved but this was an excellent result against a top side in Barnsley.
The midfield trio of Abu Ogogo, Ollie Clarke and Upson were superb as they have been for much of Coughlan's time in charge and Alex Rodman was the difference with a brace. The foundations have been laid by Coughlan, lets hope Rovers can now build on this for next season.
Upson’s excellent delivery
A regular since Coughlan took over in December, Ed Upson has gone from strength to strength in the holding midfield role. A part of Upson’s game that has really improved is his delivery from dead ball situations.
In the first half especially, the balls into the box from set plays were excellent and Rovers really threatened Barnsley. Upson has become a key part of this Rovers side and is improved hugely over the season, he could be a massive player next season.
JCH a major absence
At times during the Barnsley game it was like watching Bristol Rovers pre-deadline day. The impact Jonson Clarke-Harris has had at Bristol Rovers has been excellent and he was a huge miss for the Gas.
There was no real cutting edge and they missed some big chances, that JCH would have taken should he have been on the pitch.
Gavin Reilly really should have scored when he went through one-on-one with Adam Davies and then Alex Jakubiak smashed the ball straight at The Tykes goalkeeper. If it wasn’t for Rodman the result would have been much different.
The game really underlined how important Clarke-Harris is for this Rovers side.
Kieffer Moore causes problems
Having scored 79 goals in League One prior to Saturday's game, Barnsley were always going to be dangerous going forward but the focal point for Yorkshire side was Kieffer Moore. Standing at over 6ft5ins it was always going to be a tough afternoon for Tony Craig and Tom Lockyer, but Moore was a constant threat all afternoon.
His size and presence in the air made the difference as he bundled in a header after 12 minutes. Thankfully he was substituted at half time due to Liam Lindsay’s red card. Rovers will be happy they don’t have to face him again next season with The Tykes being promoted to the Championship.
Lockyer shows what Rovers will miss
Lockyer has been one of the most consistent performers for Bristol Rovers this season and was named man of the match just before Alex Rodman’s injury-time winner. As he was substituted there was a clear wave goodbye to the Memorial Stadium with the Welshman harbouring ambitions of playing in the Championship.
Lockyer was again solid at the back up against top class League One strikers in Cauley Woodrow and Moore. It was a fitting performance and send-off for an excellent servant to the club. He'll be tough to replace.
