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Blues have got much the better of the Pirates on their visits to Roots Hall over the years winning nine and drawing three of their league matches with Rovers and losing just twice. Rovers first ever visit to Roots Hall came in October 1962 with Blues coming out on top 3-2 thanks to a John McKinven hat-trick. The following season was another high scoring encounter but it was Rovers who would come out on top this time winning a superb match 4-3 to leave Blues in 17th place in Division Three.
If it was goals you wanted it seemed you would just need to head to Roots Hall when Bristol Rovers were in town as the 1964/65 season saw Blues win an amazing match 6-3 in October of that season. John McKinven obviously enjoyed playing against Rovers hitting another hat-trick while a Ray Smith brace and an Andy Smillie goal completed the rout. Although season 1965/66 was more of a duller affair, compared to Rovers previous three visits, with Blues managing just a 2-0 victory with Mel Slack and Andy Smillie on the scoresheet. Despite victory over Rovers season 1965/66 would see Blues relegated to Division Four and it would be the 1972/73 season before Rovers visited Roots Hall again. The goals had now dried up between the two sides, and the two clubs would fight out 0-0 draws this season as well as the following season. Although the 0-0 draw in season 1973/74 was a point that clinched promotion to the old Division Two for a Rovers side that had gone 27 matches unbeaten since the start of the season. Season 1981/82 would be the next occasion when Rovers would visit Roots Hall and on this instant Blues got back to winning way courtesy of a Danny Greaves goal in a 1-0 victory. Blues also won 1-0 the following season thanks to another Danny Greaves goal. Season 1983/84 saw Rovers gain their second ever victory at Roots Hall winning 2-1. Billy Kellock scored for Blues but goals from Rovers Brian Williams and Mike Barrett enabled the Eastville side to do the double over Blues. Once again the two sides went their separate ways and when they met again in season 1987/88 Blues stormed to a 4-2 win with goals coming from David Crown, Nicky Smith, Shane Westley and a Roy McDonough penalty with Devon White and Phil Purnell replying for Rovers. Season 1988/89 ended in a 2-2 draw. A brace from David Crown for Blues with Rovers goals coming from Phil Purnell David Mehew, a draw which helped Rovers gain promotion to the old Division Two.
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When Blues joined them in season 1991/92 Blues came out on top 2-0 thanks to goals from Andy Ansah and Brett Angell. Although Blues went one better the following season winning 3-0. This time Stan Collymore scored two with Brett Angell completing Rovers misery and finding themselves relegated at the end of the season.
Back in the new Division Two in season 1997/98 the game ended 1-1 with Frenchman Sada N’Diaye giving Blues a first-half lead but a Peter Beadle penalty five minutes from the end meant the points were shared in Rovers last league visit to Roots Hall. Rovers last ever visit to Roots Hall though came last season in the LDV Vans Trophy which Blues won 1-0 on their way to LDV Vans Trophy area final.
Ian Kemp
www.thelittlegazette.com