Bristol Rovers came from behind to beat in-form Salford City 2-1 at the Mem
Dan Hargraves is the Bristol Rovers reporter for Bristol Live. He joined the title in July 2023 having previously worked for Reach PLC as a freelance football writer in April 2022 while a journalism student at the University of Derby.
He has also reported on a number of football matches across European competition, the Premier League and EFL and covered the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. In his role as covering the Gas, he wants to leave no stone unturned and cover every angle of the football club for Gasheads’ enjoyment.
Goal celebrations for Fabrizio Cavegn of Bristol Rovers during the EFL League Two match between Bristol Rovers and Salford City at the Memorial Stadium on 27 September 2025 in Bristol, England (Photo by Steve Taylor/PPAUK)
Bristol Rovers returned to winning ways in League Two with an impressive 2-1 victory at home to high-flying Salford City, coming from behind to pick up a fifth win in six.
Rovers felt hard done by referee Gareth Rhodes’ early decision to not send off Salford defender Adeblola Oluwo for a challenge on Fabrizio Cavegn who was through on goal with nothing given. The visitors took the lead just moments after as former Gas loanee Matt Butcher fired a stunning finish into the net.
Salford created further openings with the pick of the bunch a good low save from Luke Southwood to deny Daniel Udoh.
Southwood was then on hand again as a long free-kick in first half added time was headed across goal by Alfie Kilgour and finished by Ellis Harrison to equalise just before the break.
Darrell Clarke made the decision to revert to a back-four at half-time, replacing Taylor Moore with Kamil Conteh, and Rovers produced an improved display.
They eventually took the lead as Fabrizio Cavegn netted his third league goal in as many games, capitalising on a mistake in the Salford defence.
There was still time for late drama as the referee gave Salford a penalty deep into added time but Southwood was on hand to save the initial kick from Luke Garbutt and then the follow up.
Here’s how we rated the players on a brilliant afternoon for the Pirates…
READ MORE: Bristol Rovers 1-1 Salford City live: Ellis Harrison equalises for the Gas before half-timeREAD MORE: Every word Darrell Clarke said on Salford test, Bristol Rovers’ spirit, loan outgoings and moreLuke Southwood – 9
Fired a lovely free-kick towards Alfie Kilgour to head towards Ellis Harrison for the first goal and made a couple of important saves too. The goalkeeper’s distribution was solid on top of that too, as was his anticipation. On top of all that, the penalty save at the end undoubtedly made it his best game for the Gas after last weekend’s impressive showing.
Macauley Southam-Hales – 7.5
Lively up and down that right flank. Deserves kudos for picking up the ball after Ellis Harrison’s equaliser as Rovers looked to restart quickly. Played an important role in the defensive effort towards the end to see out the result. That header with the last kick was vital.
Taylor Moore (off for Kamil Conteh 46′) – 6
Unfortunate to be taken off at the break as Darrell Clarke looked to change formation. Didn’t seem to put a foot wrong with Salford seeing most of the ball in the first half.
Alfie Kilgour – 8
Another excellent display from Rovers’ captain. Seemed to head everything that came his way, most notably Luke Southwood’s free-kick as the centre-back assisted Ellis Harrison. Back-three or four, he looked comfortable in both.
Clinton Mola – 7
Credit where it’s due, the defender had a decent game on his return to the starting line up. Will be subject to criticism for his header that preceeded Matt Butcher’s opener, but did what he needed to do.
Jack Sparkes – 7
Defensively solid down his side and whipped in a couple teasing balls. Still waiting for that assist but not for the want of trying.
Josh McEachran (off for Bryant Bilongo 82′) – 7
Superb second half display from the midfielder. Just looks extremely composed whenever he has the ball. Cool as a cucumber.
Joel Cotterill (off for Luke Thomas 43′) – 6
Unfortunate that the midfielder had to come off injured on his first start. Had a few nice moments on the ball. Feels like there’s a lot more to come from him which is exciting. Hopefully the injury is nothing serious.
Alfie Chang – 7
Pressed really well and seemed to be everywhere he needed to be during that second half. 90 minutes in the tank is an important step for the midfielder too.
Fabrizio Cavegn – 8
Slightly quiet in the first half but an absolute delight to watch in the second. Darrell Clarke has heaped praise on the Swiss for his work off the ball, and once again that part of his game was up to scratch. On it though, he was superb. Poked the ball home for a clinical third goal in as many games and then produced a few moments of skill and trickery that got fans off their feet.
Ellis Harrison – 8
A massive handful for the Salford defence. Not only did the striker score Rovers’ equaliser, but he was constantly battling for the ball, be it on the ground or in the air. I think you can say he got the better of Adebola Oluwo.
Substitutes:Luke Thomas (on 43′) – 6.5
Didn’t look like a penalty from our view. The winger didn’t quite get on the ball as much as he might have liked but his defensive work was excellent.
Kamil Conteh (on 46′) – 6
Did what he needed to do but not quite at his best again.
Bryant Bilongo (on 82′) – N/A
Came on late but made a brilliant defensive header late on.
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