Bristol Rovers Manager Steve Evans praised his team's character after a thrilling 5-3 win over Newport County in the Severnside derby. The Gas came from behind to win, with Fabrizio Cavegn scoring two goals.
What happened?
Bristol Rovers Manager Steve Evans praised his team's character after a thrilling 5-3 win over Newport County in the Severnside derby. The Gas came from behind to win, with Fabrizio Cavegn scoring two goals.
Why it matters for Bristol Rovers
The win was a significant boost for the Gas, who are currently 10th in League Two with 3 points from 2 games. They are 3 points behind leaders Barnet.
What comes next?
Bristol Rovers will look to build on this momentum as they face a run of games ahead of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
In the post-match interview, Evans praised his team's character and highlighted individual performances, but was disappointed with aspects of the Gas' defending.
"I have many reflections and emotions over 100 minutes or whatever the referee played," Evans said. "First and foremost, great character from the team because we go a goal down in what, 17 or 18 seconds. It’s a clear foul on Riley Harbottle. People will see it back tonight and say, ‘Steve’s moaning about the ref.’ It’s a clear foul. He doesn’t give it, but then we have to do better afterwards."
Evans also praised the performance of Fabrizio Cavegn, who scored two goals in the win.
"Fabrizio never got a lot of action at the end of last season because I thought mentally and physically he was tired," Evans said. "But he was the only talisman this club had until mid-late December. He was the only one deserving of being in because the other performers around him were poor."
Reflections on the game
Evans reflected on the game, praising his team's character and highlighting individual performances.
"I think Fab’s got clear of their back four on three occasions and doesn’t put any in the net. Unlucky a little bit, doesn’t clear his feet and then we get the goal right on half time, which gives us momentum," Evans said.
What comes next?
Bristol Rovers will look to build on this momentum as they face a run of games ahead of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
In the post-match interview, Evans praised his team's character and highlighted individual performances, but was disappointed with aspects of the Gas' defending.
"It’s very difficult. You have to give credit to Hayden. It’s a different type of Newport. I think under the previous boss, they played a bit. They don’t play football around, do they? They just launch it to Big Doidge. Big Doidge goes in; he’stalented in the air and wins a lot of duels. He’s a good character as well. He gives defenders a problem."
Fabrizio back to his best
Evans praised the performance of Fabrizio Cavegn, who scored two goals in the win.
"Fabrizio never got a lot of action at the end of last season because I thought mentally and physically he was tired," Evans said. "But he was the only talisman this club had until mid-late December. He was the only one deserving of being in because the other performers around him were poor."
Post-match celebrations
Evans was pleased to take his grandson to the game, which was his first at the Memorial Stadium.
"To take my grandson around, the last time he was out there was my first game here, so to take him out there in a derby 5–3 with all the excitement. When he ran to the pitch, he called me a pop star, not because I’m a star, I can tell you, but he said, 'pop star, you could have scored ten goals today,' and he was right."
