Two goals in two second half minutes gave Bristol Rovers a comfortable win over Fulham at Twerton Park this afternoon.
Midfielder David Mehew and centre forward Gary Penrice grabbed the vital goals but the victory was secured by a fifth consecutive clean sheet as the Londoners became the latest Division Three team to feel the heat at Bristol Rovers. Fulham defended diligently throughout the first half, with Jeff Eckhardt and Gavin Nebbeling excellent at the heart of Ray Lewington’s back four, and could even have gone in front before the break with on-loan centre forward Ian Dowie crashing a shot against the Rovers crossbar after collecting a pass from Andy Sayer.
But Fulham’s resolution lasted just five minutes into the second half. Justin Skinner left his backpass woefully short and New Zealand international Paul Nixon sped clear of the Fulham defence before unselfishly squaring for Mehew to fire home from ten yards out. Two minutes later, Rovers doubled their lead. Ian Holloway, on his 200th appearance for the club, combined nicely with Devon White before Mehew’s cross found Penrice unmarked at the far post for a tap-in from close range.
Fulham fought on and Ronnie Mauge was unlucky to see a header disallowed for offside before Peter Scott struck a post in the last minute of normal time. But it would have needed something special to break down a Rovers’ rearguard that has not conceded a league goal since September 9 – and Gerry Francis’ side were good value for their victory.
BRISTOL ROVERS: Martyn; Yates, Twentyman, Willmott, Jones, Reece, Mehew, Holloway, White, Nixon (Cawley 87), Penrice. Subs (not used): Hazel.
GOALS: Mehew (50), Penrice (52).
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, Nebbeling, G. Thomas, Marshall, Scott, Skinner (Bremner 75), Mauge, Walker, Dowie, Sayer. Subs (not used): Watson.
BOOKED: Scott, Eckhardt, Sayer.
REFEREE: John Carter.
ATTENDANCE: 5,811.
