Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans singled out Tommy Leigh for praise after the midfielder's match-winning goal secured a 1-0 victory over Rotherham United. The 26-year-old's 32nd-minute strike, his second of the season, capped a strong eight-day spell for the Gas, as reported by Bristol Live this week.
Leigh is now level with Fabrizio Cavegn, Bobby Kamwa, and Tom James on two goals for the campaign. His influence has grown, having started four consecutive league games and providing an assist for Ellis Harrison in the midweek win over Colchester United. Evans revealed that Leigh's desire to stay at the Memorial Stadium was never in doubt after his successful loan spell last season. "But when we sat down, we sat down for the end of season one-on-one reviews, he said to me, 'can we get something done? I want to come back. I don't want to go anywhere else,'" Evans said.
What is the latest on Tommy Leigh's injury?
The only dampener on Leigh's performance was his halftime substitution due to hamstring fatigue. Evans compared the issue to the one that has sidelined Keenan Gough for the last three games, but stressed Leigh's was less severe. The manager utilised his bench depth, bringing on Ellis Harrison, Jack Aitchison, Russell-Denny, and young Philip, who made his Football League debut. With a full week before an early kick-off at Grimsby Town, Evans said the squad is ready to play tomorrow if needed and pointed to the immense work rate of his front three.
How strong is the competition within the squad?
Evans has cultivated real depth after making 12 signings this summer. He highlighted fierce competition at centre-back and noted that wing-backs Jack Sparkes and Southam-Hales will play big parts. One of those key signings, right-back Tom James, arrived without a fee and has already contributed two goals and an assist, including a fine free-kick against Crawley Town. Evans also mentioned his previous attempt to sign Ben Purrington when he was at Rotherham, having observed him at Cambridge United last year. The manager believes he has the best target man in the division in Joe Quigley, though the striker has yet to feature this season. Fans can view the full squad list online.
Where does this leave Bristol Rovers in the context of last season?
The win forms part of a positive end to the 2025/26 season, where Rovers finished 14th in England League Two with 62 points. Their record of 19 wins, 5 draws, and 22 leaves them 25 points behind champions Bromley. The team scored 56 goals but conceded 65, resulting in a -9 goal difference. Supporters can review the complete standings for the final table. Evans praised the fans after the Rotherham win, saying the decibels after Leigh's goal were as loud as he's heard in a long time.
The team now prepares for its final fixture of the season, a trip to face Grimsby Town next weekend. You can find the exact date and time for that match on the club's fixtures page.
