Away from home against an MK Dons side in need of a response after a grim run of results, Bristol Rovers would have expected a tricky challenge in Buckinghamshire on Tuesday. Instead, Joey Barton's side took the challenge in their stride, never looking in any danger before securing a 1-0 win at Stadium MK.
Antony Evans was to be the match-winner, scoring from the penalty spot with 14 minutes to play after Ryan Loft had been dragged to the ground by Bradley Johnson. Evans celebrated in front of a strong travelling contingent in the corner of an otherwise cavernous stadium, sharing in the delight of back-to-back wins that have done plenty to change the complexion of the season.
With the squad closing in on full fitness, their fortunes have been transformed in the past fortnight with seven points from three games to climb up to 15th in League One. Weeks had been spent sliding down the standings with points proving elusive amid a defensive injury crisis, but now the ranks are reinforced and momentum is back on Rovers' side.
There were positives aplenty for the Rovers boss to count after the full-time whistle at Stadium MK, not least the ease with which his players protected their goal. James Belshaw may never have had a more redundant evening between the posts, while the manager's new-look front three continues to create moments of opportunity.
And after weeks of building a team with players out of position to no avail, he now has options and significant competition for places. With a gruelling run ahead against some of the league's promotion contenders, that could be a huge asset for the Gas.
How times have changed
Not that long ago, Barton was desperate for positive news from the treatment room. The season had stalled after a series of injuries, predominantly in defence, and the undermanned Gas could not find a way to win.
What a difference a few weeks have made. Barton was able to make three changes to his starting XI for this game without sacrificing quality, with Paul Coutts, Lewis Gibson and Luke McCormick brought in for Evans, Sam Finley and Luca Hoole, who dropped to the bench.
With a busy period looming, that sort of squad management will be important, but the depth Barton has at his disposal is invaluable. In addition to rising confidence levels, there is growing competition for places in the starting XI and that can only be beneficial.
A by-product of that is a stronger bench, and in a flat game like this one, Barton was able to win the game from the bench. Finley and Evans made a positive impact on proceedings before the penalty, and Hoole and Harry Anderson played their part in getting the Gas over the line.
Anderson, in particular, was the perfect player to bring on inside the final 10 minutes to protect the lead. He brings energy and tenacity and showed both of those qualities with an incredible sequence of play near the corner flag. He fought off challenges, won the ball back multiple times and won a free-kick to bleed the clock as Rovers closed in three points; the Gasheads situated in that corner celebrated like he had scored a 30-yard screamer. The mood is transformed and Rovers are progressing up the table.
Defensive solidity
Firstly, it must be said that MK Dons were surprisingly meek on home turf. Rovers have been in a similar position this season, rebuilding after the loss of key players, and their have been dips in confidence, but Liam Manning's side were seemingly content to spend the evening on the back foot. Fair enough, if you have a meaningful threat on the counter-attack, but they were completely blunted by the Gas and the best they created was a tame Johnson header that bounced kindly into the hands of the otherwise redundant James Belshaw.
But you can only play what is in front of you and Barton will be delighted by the clean sheet. With players back from injury, he has options in defence – evidenced by the decision to bring Lewis Gibson into the XI for Luca Hoole despite the Welshman playing well on Saturday – and the Gas are looking a whole lot stronger.
In the past three games, the Gas have conceded three goals: two from their own errors and one from the penalty spot. Compared to earlier in the season when Barton was forced to turn to makeshift solutions, they are conceding fewer chances and this was the most commanding performance yet.
Bobby Thomas has kept things nice and simple, which was exactly what was required on an evening when MK's best chance of scoring was if the Gas presented them with a gift. Alongside the Burnley prospect, Everton loanee Gibson was a classy performer. It is easy to see what Barton wants him in the XI; his left foot creates good passing angles and he is content on the ball, but his defensive instincts are sound, too, and he is a threat in the opposition box – only being denied an opening goal by a stunning Jamie Cumming save.
With James Gibbons back in the groove after injury and Lewis Gordon maturing nicely on either side of the centre-backs, plus Hoole and Trevor Clarke on the bench and others to come back into the fold, the defence is solidifying.
Loft's importance
Playing association football against Ryan Loft looks like no fun at all. He is a bruising striker who can leap higher than you and is quick enough to run beyond you.
In a game when Rovers had control but not the penetration they wanted, those physical qualities are a big asset for the Gas. In the end, the torrid night Loft gave the Dons reaped rewards.
He had hassled an experienced backline and midfield all night, fighting for flick-ons and second balls, and that groundwork undoubtedly played a role in forcing Johnson to bring him down in the penalty area 15 minutes from time.
Loft does not need to score or create to be an impactful player for the Gas. He occupies and unsettles defenders, and with Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins for company, Rovers' striking ranks are in good health.
Big moment for Evans
The consequences of missing in an EFL Trophy group-stage shootout are largely insignificant for Rovers, but missing from 12 yards can never be good for confidence. However, Evans stepped up to the spot and nervelessly dispatched to put the Gas on course for victory and it felt like an important moment for the 24-year-old.
It has been a frustrating start to the season for the playmaker, who was so influential with his glittering contributions en route to League Two promotion last season. The woodwork has been hit multiple times and he has not returned to his peak performance levels since returning from the summer.
But, like his team, individually he is finding form. He was excellent in the victory over Cambridge at the weekend and he mustered an impactful cameo in Buckinghamshire to help secure the victory.
He is settling into a new role so far this season. His place in the starting XI is not secure after the change in tactical direction that has made Rovers a more physical, direct team with Loft, Coburn and Collins playing up front. But the signs are Evans will still be a match-winner for the Gas and he will stand tall when called upon, just like he did in the big moments last season.
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