As the Forest Green promotion party commenced, Bristol Rovers were not beaten but they were disappointed. A 0-0 draw with the League Two leaders at the Mem on Saturday extended their home unbeaten run but it did not advance their automatic promotion hopes.
This was a thrilling contest that somehow stayed goalless between two of the division's best. That the Gas are included in that bracket these days speaks to how far they have come after many weeks spent in the lower reaches of the standings early in the campaign.
Joey Barton's side have been used to having things on their terms lately, controlling possession and their opponents, but this match was a game between two teams who know what they are and how to be effective. It flowed from end to end as the Gas built pressure while FGR were always poised to fly forward on the counter-attack.
No breakthroughs were made, though, with both goalkeepers in fine form – another trademark of good sides. Forest Green's point was cherished while the Gas left the pitch feeling dissatisfied.
The big picture is bright, though. Sitting fifth, two points back from third, everything is still to play for with two games remaining, even if they need a favour or two in regards to automatic promotion.
They are also judging themselves by ever-rising standards. Pushing the class of the division close to their limits is no longer enough to be content with. Victories are the only currency the Gas want to deal in.
Almost perfect, but not quite
The three-game stretch against Salford City, Port Vale and Forest Green looked like it would be a defining phase of Rovers' season. Three games against promotion rivals would be a crystal clear indicator of where the Gas fit into the League Two hierarchy as well as influencing the outcome of their campaign.
That run, Amen Corner as this reporter coined it, is at an end and Rovers almost navigated it perfectly. The back-to-back wins over Salford City and Port Vale showcased the defensive stability and power to produce moments of quality this squad boasts.
Against Champions-elect Forest Green, they had the chance to go one further and make a statement to the division, but the Pirates' pursuit of perfection over these three games fell just short. They were not quite at their best, but credit Forest Green, who did not allow them to be thanks to a shrewd gameplan that was well executed to get the point they needed for promotion.
The draw was fair as the momentum shifted back and forth until Barton's side took control as Forest Green settled for their prized point. Luke Thomas and Elliot Anderson forced superb saves from Luke McGee, but the Gas will feel they could have made more of the momentum they amassed in the final half hour.
Clearly over the 43 games so far, Forest Green have proven to be the best side, but at this moment, few can make a credible case to say they are a better team than the Gas. That stuttering start is a distant memory due to the transformative journey they have made in recent months. They bear no resemblance to the penetrable outfit they were in the early weeks and months of the campaign.
This game showed where the Gas are in their progression. They are an even match for the division's top side but some flaws do remain. Barton was frustrated by "rushed" play in the final third, something they have been guilty of recently even when results have been excellent.
Just like throughout their brilliant run since the turn of the year, the Gas were good – very good at times – but room for improvement was evident, which in its own way is exciting because without reaching their peak potential, they have been able to muster a stellar series of results. Marginal gains here and there really could take the Gas to a new level.
A symbol of progress
The overriding feeling at the end for Barton and his players at full time was of disappointment; a sense that an opportunity had been missed, particularly with Port Vale suffering a surprise defeat at Walsall.
Those feelings, of course, are valid, but also are emblematic of the progress Rovers have made in recent months. The fact Rovers could be justifiably frustrated by the prospect of missing out on automatic promotion shows how far they've come.
Because just four months ago, they were absolutely nowhere, 17th in the table on January 1. A surge into contention was a possibility, but a slim one at best. Barton and his players were justifiably criticised for a poor start to the season, but they deserve every credit for their response.
For months, they were disjointed but they are a team in every sense now, evidenced by the way they pushed the champions-elect to their very limit in a game they were desperate for a result to clinch their promotion.
The Gas have come a long way, but there's a ways to go on their journey yet.
Belshaw's brilliance
There was a time this season when the Gas relied on James Belshaw's brilliance week in, week out to get their points, but that is not the case anymore. The signing of James Connolly coupled with the maturation of the back four has transformed Rovers into one of the division's strongest defences.
But still, whenever Rovers need him, Belshaw tends to deliver. He was in fine form on Saturday, making a trio of top-quality saves to preserve the clean sheet.
First, Regan Hendry was denied by the feet of Belshaw, who then kept out Ebou Adams – a player the Gas wanted to sign in 2020 – low to his right when the midfielder seemed sure to put the visitors ahead.
After the break, Belshaw was required again to keep the Gas on level terms. Jamille Matt should have done better when Udoka Godwin-Malife picked him out in the centre, but the Gas keeper deserves huge credit for getting behind the prolific striker's effort.
Throughout the contest, Forest Green showed they know how to manage the clock and take the sting out of the game, so conceding a lead could have been hugely difficult for the Gas to overcome. Belshaw, as he has done so often, did his part to keep the Gas in the game with a clean sheet and he was fully deserving of the sponsors' man of the match prize.
Landmark occasion
Two hours after the final whistle, Bristol Rovers Women enjoyed a night to remember as they played at the Mem for the first time in more than 20 years. The Gas Girls have smashed through many barriers since reforming in 2019, with two promotions already secured.
This night was the reward for their progress, a chance to play in front of several hundred fans who chose to stay on for the second part of the historic double-header, which doubled up as Rovers' designated HerGameToo fixture.
The Gas Girls did not disappoint, coming from a goal down to beat Forest Green Rovers Women with three superb second-half strikes. Annys Turner got the leveller with a pinpoint curling finish from range before Georgia Vandries' thumping half-volley from 18 yards put the home side in front.
Substitute goalkeeper Briony Lomas saved a penalty to deny Forest Green a late equaliser before Rossana Rocha, who assisted both goals, then got on the scoresheet with another fine strike from distance to ensure it was a memorable night for manager Nathan Hallett-Young and his players.
With a healthy crowd staying to watch and both teams delivering a competitive game laced with moments of quality, the event proved to be a huge success and heres' hoping the Gas Girls are back in action at the Mem sooner rather than later.
You never know
Back to Barton's Blues and their hopes of automatic promotion, they will doubtless become Exeter City fans for the final games of the season. The Grecians already have one foot in League One and with games against Northampton Town and Port Vale on the slate, Matt Taylor's side can have a huge say in who joins them in the top three at the close of play on May 7.
Rovers' toughest opponents are behind them and although their destiny, when it comes to automatic promotion at least, is out of their hands, they must ensure they keep up the pressure on Northampton, Vale et al.
As stated above, the fact Rovers are even where they are right is some achievement after their sub-standard start to the season, but their remarkable upturn in form has readjusted their goals.
The last thing they will want to do is enter a possible play-off campaign with regrets of dropped points against Rochdale or Scunthorpe United in the next fortnight.
Maximum points from those games might not be enough, but Rovers will be desperate to do all they can to profit if their rivals falter or crumble in the final furlongs of the race.
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