Rovers enjoy Twerton Park return with two-goal victory

City’s preparations for the 2019-20 season continued this evening at Twerton Park as they were beaten 2-0 by Bristol Rovers. Despite the final scoreline it was another excellent workout for the Romans as they matched the League 1 side for much of the contest. They were caught somewhat cold on just seven minutes though when a cross by Kelly was turned past Ryan Clarke by Rodman. City responded well to this early setback and looked to have levelled four minutes later, Tyler Harvey shooting home only for the linesman to raise an offside flag. Chances continued to fall to both sides, the closest seeing Harvey strike the post from a 25-yard free-kick. The early stages of the second half saw City enjoy the majority of possession and Harvey was again denied by the woodwork from another well struck free-kick. Rovers keeper van Stoppershoef then produced a great save to turned away Joe Raynes long range effort. As is common in these pre-season encounters both sides made numerous changes as the half progressed which disrupted the pattern of the game but with 13 minutes left Leahy’s cross found the head of Little to double the Pirates lead.