By Michael
July 21 2002

ROVERS have kicked off the pre-season with a 1-0 win against Clevedon Town and a closely fought battle against first division side Sheffield United which ended 0-0. Gasheads can be pleased with what they have seen so far in pre-season. On Wednesday evening, Clevedon proved to be tough nuts too crack, although they never really threatened the Rovers goal, they with held the Rovers front men to a certain extent. The one and only goal came after 37 minutes when Kevin Austin’s initial strike was blocked and fell perfectly for Rovers new boy Robert Quinn to lash home from close range. It was a good test for Graydon’s men and it gives the fans a picture of what it might be like this season.

FINAL SCORE: Clevedon Town 0-1 Bristol Rovers
ATTENDANCE: 1,153

TEAM: Ryan Clarke (Scott Howie), Rob Scott (Danny Boxall), Rob Quinn
(Simon Bryant), Drew Shore (Trevor Challis), Simon Bryant (Adam
Barrett), Guiliano Grazioli (Justin Richards), Kevin Austin (Anwar
Uddin), Kevin Gall (Giuseppe Sorbara (Kevin Gall)), Dwayne Plummer
(Lewis Hogg), Dave Gilroy (Paul Tait (Guiliano Grazioli)), Mark McKeever (Vitalijs Astafjevs).

Today Rovers played a tougher opposition, Sheffield United. In front of a Hand Stadium record crowed of 1623, the previous record was held by our local rivals Bristol City1982 when they managed to bring 1608 fans to watch City play against Clevedon Town two years ago.

The game was very close and Rovers looked comfortable from start to finish and played some decent football. Uddin and Barrett were rarely second best and defended superbly throughout. Justin Richards was a thorn in the Blades side and continued to cause them trouble. So overall it has been a successful week for Rovers and long may it continue.

FINAL SCORE: Bristol Rovers 0-0 Sheffield United
ATTENDANCE: 1,623
TEAM: Ryan Clarke (Scott Howie), Danny Boxall (Rob Scott), Anwar
Uddin (C), Adam Barrett, Trevor Challis, Wayne Carlisle (Kevin Gall),
Simon Bryant (Lewis Hogg), Dwayne Plummer (Mark McKeever), Vitalijs
Astafjevs (Rob Quinn), Paul Tait (Guiliano Grazioli), Dave Gilroy
(Justin Richards).

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