The Memorial Stadium witnessed another masterclass from Aaron Collins as Bristol Rovers kicked off 2023 with a gritty 2-1 victory over Cheltenham Town. This Crickex-covered clash saw the Welsh forward continue his sensational form, combining clinical finishing with creative flair to steer Joey Barton’s side back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats.
Tactical Breakdown: How Rovers Overcame Cheltenham’s Resistance
Collins-Finley Connection Breaks Deadlock
The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the 25th minute when Sam Finley’s defense-splitting through ball found Collins‘ intelligent run. The 25-year-old showed composure reminiscent of Championship-quality strikers, delicately chipping over advancing keeper Luke Southwood for his 13th league goal this campaign.
“Collins’ movement between center-backs is becoming textbook material,” noted Crickex analyst Mark Thompson. “His ability to time runs while remaining onside has improved dramatically under Barton’s guidance.”
Coburn Benefits from Collins’ Creativity
Six minutes before halftime, Collins turned provider, showcasing another dimension to his game. Dancing past two challenges near the byline, his perfectly weighted pass found teenage sensation Josh Coburn, who hammered home from 12 yards. The duo nearly replicated the combination moments later, only for Coburn’s finish to be ruled offside.
Alt: Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn strikes Bristol Rovers’ second goal against Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s Valiant Comeback Attempt
Missed Opportunities Haunt Robins
Despite the scoreline, Cheltenham created clear first-half chances:
- Dan N’Lundulu’s powerful header rattled the side netting (18′)
- Liam Sercombe’s 30-yard rocket clipped the post (43′)
The visitors carried this momentum into the second half, with League One’s joint-top scorer Alfie May capitalizing on James Connolly’s errant backpass to thunder home in the 48th minute.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- 48′ GOAL: May’s clinical finish (2-1)
- 53′ CHANCE: May’s lob drifts wide
- 67′ SAVE: Belshaw denies May’s header
- 82′ BLOCK: Rovers defense throws bodies in front of May’s shot
Post-Match Analysis: What This Means for Both Sides
Bristol Rovers’ Promotion Credentials
With this win, Rovers:
- Move within 3 points of playoff spots
- Maintain best home record in League One (8 wins from 12)
- Collins now involved in 19 goals (13G + 6A) this season
“Barton has built a side that combines physicality with technical quality,” observed former Rovers midfielder Stuart Sinclair on Crickex post-match show. “Collins’ development epitomizes their progress.”
Cheltenham’s Relegation Concerns
Despite showing fight, the Robins:
- Remain in the bottom four
- Have won just once in last 10 away games
- May’s goals (14) account for 48% of their total
Manager Wade Elliott lamented: “We matched them for large periods but individual errors at this level get punished. Alfie’s showing why bigger clubs are watching though.”
Looking Ahead: Key Fixtures for Both Teams
| Bristol Rovers | Cheltenham Town |
|---|---|
| vs Derby (H) – Jan 14 | vs Fleetwood (H) – Jan 14 |
| @ Portsmouth (A) – Jan 21 | @ Peterborough (A) – Jan 21 |
| vs Wycombe (H) – Jan 28 | vs Exeter (H) – Jan 28 |
Crickex predicts: If Collins maintains this form, Championship clubs will come calling in January. For Cheltenham, keeping May fit could be their survival key.
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