Our League One lowdown continues we take a look at Sunderland’s 2018-19 opposition.
Next up, we put Bristol Rovers under the microscope…
2017-18: THE STORY
Rovers made a bright start to the League One campaign last term, winning five of their opening seven matches. However, it didn’t last as a run of just one win in 10 matches followed for Darrell Clarke’s side as they slipped down the league. Important victories over Portsmouth, Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers helped regain a sense of control on their slide before they ended the season winless in seven. Rovers, though, did finish the season 13th.
STADIUM: MEMORIAL STADIUM
Known by most as the Memorial Ground, Rovers’ ground holds just 12,300. Situated just north of Bristol city centre, the home of Rovers will embark on its 97th season of football this year.
MANAGER: DARRELL CLARKE
Highly rated by his peers, Darrell Clarke has been with Bristol Rovers since 2013. Prior to that, Clarke had been manager at Salisbury City after being a player there as well. With promotions and an FA Cup third round achievement under his belt with Salisbury, Clarke, who has also played for Mansfield Town and Hartlepool United, took the plunge into the Football League with eight games remaining at Bristol Rovers but was unable to keep the club in League Two. Rovers, though, bounced straight back via the play-offs. In fact, the momentum continued so much the following season they soared straight into League One following a second successive promotion.
TOP SCORER: ELLIS HARRISON
The 24-year-old ended last season with 14 goals. While Billy Bodin and Liam Sercombe also managed 10+ goals for Rovers, Harrison led the way with three goals in his opening six games of the season. Three goals in his next 16 games followed before a hot streak saw him rack up a further three in as many matches. Harrison’s next run of form coincided with Rovers’ upturn in fortunes between January and March as he struck five times in eight matches.
LAST MEETING: BRISTOL ROVERS 1-2 SUNDERLAND
In October 2000, Don Hutchison scored twice to secure Sunderland’s place in the League Cup fourth round. After a goalless opening period, Hutchison broke the deadlock three minutes into the second 45 before Nathan Ellington levelled shortly after the hour mark. With the game all square heading into the closing stages it looked as though extra time and penalties might be required, but Hutchison stepped up and netted his second of the evening with two minutes left on the clock.
