Bobby Kamwa inspired Bristol Rovers to a dramatic 5-3 victory over Newport County in a Severnside derby at the Memorial Stadium this week. The Gas recovered from conceding a goal after just 15 seconds to claim their first League Two win of the season, moving them to 10th place with three points from two games.
Steve Evans's side had begun the campaign with a loss to promoted York, making this response vital. The result leaves them three points behind early leaders Barnet, with a positive goal difference of one after scoring seven and conceding six so far. The full story was first reported by www.google.com.
How did the chaotic match unfold?
Newport County shocked the home crowd by scoring inside the opening minute. Harrison Biggins found the net after only 15 seconds to give the visitors a dream start. Bristol Rovers struggled to find a rhythm for much of the first half but equalised just before the interval. Ben Purrington met a Bobby Kamwa cross with a header that deflected onto the bar and in.
The second half exploded with six goals. Fabrizio Cavegn put Rovers ahead from close range early after the restart. Their lead was extended by an own goal from Newport's Lee Jenkins, who turned the ball past his own goalkeeper Jordan Wright following a defensive mix-up. Shaquille Gwengwe pulled one back for County after an hour to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finale.
What was Bobby Kamwa's impact?
Bobby Kamwa, making his first start for Bristol Rovers since his summer move, was central to the win. The winger, who spent two seasons at Newport County, curled in a superb fourth goal for the Gas to seemingly seal the points. His celebration in front of the away supporters earned him a yellow card. Kamwa also provided the assist for Purrington's crucial first-half equaliser.
His performance underlined his immediate value to the squad, which fans can explore further on our squad page. The match was a personal triumph for the new signing against his former employers.
How did Newport County fight back late on?
Even at 4-2 down, Newport refused to surrender. In the first of eight added minutes, Cole Jarvis powered in a header to reduce the deficit to a single goal. That set up a frantic finish, with both teams having hit the woodwork during the match.
Bristol Rovers finally killed the game off in the dying moments. Fabrizio Cavegn secured his brace and the three points by dribbling the ball into an empty net after Newport committed players forward. The 5-3 scoreline reflected a remarkably open and entertaining contest.
What does this win mean for Bristol Rovers?
This victory provides crucial momentum for Steve Evans's team after an opening-day setback. The five goals scored demonstrate a potent attacking threat that will be needed throughout the season. With the team now sitting mid-table, the focus shifts to building consistency.
The upcoming fixtures will test whether this offensive form can be maintained. Supporters can also track the team's progress in the standings as the early season picture develops. This derby win offers a solid platform, but the challenge is to turn one thrilling performance into a sustained push up the League Two table.
