Rovers Taste Success

Rovers set out with 7 changes against Gillingham for Tuesday nights Carling Cup. Most noticeably a starting spot for Steven Reid and David Dunn who are coming back from injury.

It wasn`t long before Rovers got the opening goal with a great play between Kalinic and Dunn, allowing Dunny to place a well struck shot past Gillingham 'keeper Simon Royce.

This was a shock to the system for Gillingham as not long after they were the team on top, pushing forward at every opportunity, and causing a poor Rovers defense some problems. A lack of marking from a Josh Gowling Corner gave Mark McCammon a great opportunity for an equalizer which ended up inches wide.

Rovers battled on, but Kalinic was isolated up top on his own, with long balls over the top not reaching the 6 million pound man. However Rovers did show their quality with some great play by 19-year old 'Junior' Hollet on his full debut keeping Gillingham on their toes.

David Dunn looked back to his best, giving Rovers fans something to enjoy with great passing and skill from the midfield.


If not for Jason Brown, Gillingham would have been level going into half time, with a Fierce free-kick by Barry Fuller well saved, just giving the Rovers a reminder that the game was still up for grabs.


Just before the half time whistle brought sad scenes for Rovers fans, as injury plagued Midfielder Steven Reid hobbled off with a hamstring strain.

Half time brought 2 changes for Rovers, with front man Kalinic being replaced by Roberts, and Reid coming off for Vince Grella.

The effects of the changes were soon noticed, as a cross was nodded back post by Jason Roberts allowed Hollet so head in from close range, to give him a goal on his debut, to match his performance.

Elrio Van Heerden was given his debut after 60 minutes, and replaced David Dunn. However he didn`t really stake a claim for a starting spot, and he never really got going.

Rovers were on top and playing much better than the first 45 mins, but Gillingham weren`t going down without a fight, and on the 70 minute mark, were awarded with a penalty, with Zurab Khizanishvili bringing down Simeon Jackson in the box, and the Canadian picked himself up to slot home from the spot.

However 4 minutes later, a Morten Gamst Pedersen corner kick curled in, missing everyone and into the back of the net, nestling in the far corner.

3-1 and game over for Gillingham, as Rovers were passing the ball around comfortably, and saw the game out, worthy winners.

Star Player:

David Dunn. He had a fine game, showing he is a real class player when hes fit. Lets keep him that way!

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