Match Thread: Bristol Rovers v Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas

So first half and in the second game in a row we came out like a house on fire. The difference in this game was that after the goal, Woking (to their credit) came back at us. They were the best team I've seen us play this season (didn't go to the Barnet game) and I thought although they didn't have any real clear cut chances they were threatening us. Long balls to Rendell were the main threat, Tom Lockyer couldn't quite deal with it as well as Trotman may well have done and I did worry they might get at us. They also outnumbered us through the middle which at times let them control the game.

In the second half, DC changed it and although they looked decent for the first 5/10 we really regained control of the game and in all honesty I felt from there we would win. I think the change won us the game as much as anything to be honest, it wasn't a masterstroke but it was a good and correct decision and DC should give himself a pat on the back tonight. Mansell was my man of the match, cracking free kick, overall captains performance.

Said during the game that I believed today was Ellis' best sub appearence that i've personally seen. Forget about the goals, his effort, ball retention and even aerial ability worked well for us, worked the channels and when him and Taylor end the game upfront together they panic and stretch tiring defences.

Didn't think it was Martin's best performance for us today but he's always a threat - although his set pieces were off today to his usual high standards. Even at L2 level though wingers are never very consistent and he's a very good player for us.

when Ellis came on he showed just what potential he has but I hadnt really noticed until today that his movement off the ball is not great. Bearing in mind that he was on for 30 minutes I expected him to offer himself more than he did. His control was good, his running with the ball was good, his passing was good - he just didnt seem to make space .

All in all I thought that Sinclair was easily man of the match 
 

Surprisingly, yes. Went part-time in 2010. 

Got some very good players though (lots of ex-FL players too), helps being based near London I suppose. 

Best team I've seen down here this season in the first half. Second half, however, was a different story. 

Great display I thought, we`re finally seeing the fight and passion that we expect from a Rovers team, so well done to all of them! Both cracking goals!

Only a very slight grumble.....the free kicks - did he have a pneumatic booster in his boots?!!!

What did he say?

Fantastic picture!

14 teams full time,10 part time including woking[sorry] but lets not dismiss part time teams,woking were very strong