Following an absence of 35 days, Bristol Rovers finally returned to League Two action at the Mem and – despite opponents Hartlepool United controlling large periods of the game – they secured a vital three points thanks to two late goals from Aaron Collins and Antony Evans.
It was not the performance many Gasheads were anticipating when they saw the names on the team sheet which included Connor Taylor and Josh Grant returning from their respective injuries and a debut for January signing Ryan Loft.
In practice, Joey Barton's attacking approach did not deliver the fluid performance he hoped, but his players remained dogged and stayed in the game – thanks to some fine goalkeeping from James Belshaw – before seizing victory late in the day.
There was plenty going on at the Mem on Saturday and here are a few moments you may have missed...
Evans’ subtle gesture
Playing perhaps slightly deeper than he prefers, Antony Evans didn’t go have his usual impact in open play for the Gas and endured a quieter game by his standards, but the former Everton U23s captain couldn’t leave the pitch without conjuring some magic from that right boot.
With almost the last kick of the game, Evans made sure it was one Gasheads wouldn’t forget any time soon, rifling a free-kick from just outside the box off the underside of the crossbar and in for his second set-piece goal in as many games.
And while the goal was truly astounding, the brief gesture that followed may please Gasheads more than the strike itself.
In a video posted to Twitter by Jacob Kelly (@ADHDFatherUK), after seeing his rocket land in the net, Evans ran to the West Stand and just before he was mobbed by his teammates and in between several fist bumps to the sky, he briefly patted the badge on his shirt.
Now, this could mean many things. It could have just been general bashing of his chest pumped up after scoring a stunner or – and this may be stained by wishful thinking that Evans will sign a new contract – it was a statement of his affection for the Gas.
Gasheads would undoubtedly love to see Evans remain in North Bristol, but his form and technical ability will have surely captured the attention of teams further up the pyramid.
Either way, it’s best to not think about his future right now and just enjoy the quality he oozes on the pitch every time he pulls on the quarters.
Barton’s signal of intent to Nicholson
As expected after the team selection, the Gas were fast out the blocks in the opening minutes, with Hartlepool’s finding it difficult settling into the game.
However, as the clock ticked beyond 10 minutes, Pools got much more joy in the attacking third as well as controlling possession, prompting Barton to hand out some instructions to his players following treatment being given to Jamie Sterry after a foul by Cian Harries.
Barton could be seen aggressively gesturing to Sam Nicholson to remain further up the pitch and gamble on second balls that may drop his way.
And while this is exactly where you want Nicholson to be, the Gas were struggling to reach that stage of their attacks.
Paul Coutts was isolated in possession for most of the game as Evans and Nicholson remained further up the pitch as eights in midfield, waiting for play to break their way or for passes to be pierced through the lines.
This game plan and formation had the potential to work but, as we saw on Saturday, maybe not without Sam Finley, who was serving the final match of his three-game suspension.
The Rovers number six has the ability to drive through the lines, pick out seemingly improbable passes while also remaining disciplined in his position without venturing too far forward and leaving the defence exposed.
He is the connection between midfield and attack that Rovers perhaps were lacking on Saturday that could enable Barton to load his starting XI with attacking talent.
Loft watch
It wasn’t the debut Ryan Loft was dreaming of in blue and white quarters, but there were certainly signs in his game that he is a smart addition to a squad that was lacking a player of his capabilities.
The 24-year-old, signed from Scunthorpe United on January 4, made an immediate impression in the 5th minute, chasing a wayward ball into the channel from Evans. Pools defender Timi Odusina looked in control of the situation, but a well-timed slide from Loft saw the ball ricochet of Odusina and trickle out for a corner, which Taylor headed just wide.
Just a few minutes later, the same duo clashed, this time in the air, with Loft using his physical presence to weaken Odusina’s attempted clearance and in the 14th minute a calm cushioned header into the chest of Collins kept a Gas attack alive.
Loft had a great chance to make a open his account goal when pressure on Nicky Featherstone from Nicholson saw the ball break the striker's way, but rather than attempting a shot at goal from the edge of the box, he tried to feed the run of Collins. He will regret not trying his luck
Loft was quiet in the second half, but his presence alone in the Hartlepool box for the first goal showed his potential value. Not only can he provide a focal point to the attack, but his presence alone can also cause problems, with a loose ball landing Collins' way for the opening goal after the former Scunthorpe forward battled in the air.
There were signs of encouragement, if not a whole lot of action in front of goal, from the new signing.
Pitman does a job for the team
Rovers made a triple substitution in the 89th minute, introducing Glenn Whelan, Nick Anderton and Brett Pitman in an attempt to see out the game, and yet surprisingly with pressure coming to the Gas defence, it was the latter who had the biggest impact.
A rushed clearance broke to Odusina and Pitman was onto him immediately, harassing and harrying the defender all the way to the touchline directly in front of the dugouts before swiping the ball into touch.
At first, the linesman gave a throw for Rovers, which was greeted by a huge roar, while Barton handed Pitman a hefty pat on the back for his work rate to win possession back for his team. A foul was later awarded by the referee, but Pitman's intent alone released the pressure on his defenders.
Hard work out of possession is not his forte at this stage of his career, but Pitman has proved multiple times he will get stuck in for his teammates when required.
Those post-match scenes
Connor Taylor had already begun his descent to the floor as the first blow of the final whistle sounded, dropping to the deck after another dominant performance in the air from the Stoke loanee.
Elsewhere, Collins and Evans embraced each other after the second successive home win in which they have both scored.
But what garnered the most cheers was James Belshaw’s reaction to the victory that he played a huge part in securing.
The Rovers number one roared towards the Gasheads in the south west corner of the ground, who were graciously applauding him before helping Taylor to his feet and embracing him tightly.
Belshaw received even more plaudits when he approached the Thatchers Terrace with Barton alongside him before departing down the tunnel after an afternoon to remember for the keeper.
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