The Gas conceded another four goals in a heavy loss to Tranmere to make it three League Two defeats in a row

16:56, 18 Oct 2025Updated 20:07, 18 Oct 2025

Alfie Chang of Bristol Rovers warms up (Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers suffered another painful defeat at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday as they conceded four goals in consecutive games, falling to a 4-1 defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

After what Clarke called a “rubbish” start against Andy Crosby’s men, the visitors opened the scoring on Saturday after 33 minutes when Nathan Smith was left all alone and able to head the ball into the bottom corner from Omari Patrick’s cross.

Fabrizio Cavegn had the Pirates’ best chance of the game not long after. The Swiss striker was played into the penalty area by Alfie Chang but did not compose himself and failed to hit the target with his effort on goal.

Just six minutes into the second half, Tranmere doubled their lead through their captain Connor Jennings who lobbed Luke Southwood with a header after a long ball forward, the Gas keeper caught in two minds as to whether to come or go.

The visiting skipper added a third and doubled his tally for the afternoon in the 73rd minute, poking past Southwood who palmed a curling Patrick effort into Jenning’s path. Six minutes later, substitute Josh Davison added insult to injury as he slid to meet a cross towards the back post and put the ball into the net.

Chang’s 85th minute consolation goal was far too late to affect the outcome in BS7 as the visitors ran away comfortable victors, taking all three points back up to Merseyside.

Having now suffered three defeats in a row in League Two, banishing their recent unbeaten run into what feels like distant memory, the Gas sit 16th in the league after 13 games.

Luke Southwood – 5.5

A big early save from the returning goalkeeper to keep out Whitaker who hit a powerful first-time strike at goal. Caught in no man’s land for the second as he was lobbed from Jenning’s header. Any long ball forward after Ellis Harrison’s withdrawal was pretty redundant as the smaller figures across the frontline could not compete.

Jack Sparkes (off for Byrant Bilongo 59′) – 6

His first-half balls into the box left a lot to be desired, either being much too deep or a little too short.

Alfie Kilgour – 5

Both centre backs left Nathan Smith with acres of space to nod home the opener. In terms of defensive actions he was solid, however himself and Lopata’s spatial awareness was not what it needed to be in their own box this afternoon.

Kacper Lopata – 5

Just not good enough in his own box, leaving attackers with space alongside Kilgour.

READ MORE: Bristol Rovers 1-4 Tranmere Rovers recap: Four goals down the Gas in third league loss in a rowREAD MORE: Every word Darrell Clarke said on Tranmere test, Bristol Rovers’ response, systems and moreMacauley Southam-Hales – 5

Worked well with Luke Thomas on the right flank with some neat interchanges early on. Failed to find anyone with his first-half crosses. Was done a couple of times by Omar Patrick who was a tricky customer.

Kamil Conteh (off for Shaq Forde 59′) – 4

Was a passenger in the first period and did not do enough to try and break up play in the middle. Hit an audacious shot over from range. Taken off 15 minutes into the second half.

Josh McEachran – 5

Did not do enough whilst being the singular pivot, with Charlie Whitaker finding space between midfield and defence on far too many occasions in the first half in particular.

Alfie Chang – 6.5

Enjoyed the license to venture forward more as he had another midfielder in Conteh as well as the deeper McEachran. Popped up often on the edge of the box and had a good effort in the second half. The brightest of a really poor team, scoring a decent volley when he was placed well again on the edge of the box.

Luke Thomas – 6

Was bright as he returned to his more natural position off the right in the first half. Found some good pockets and was the only one to really get some shots off in the first period. Lingered on the ball a little too long on one or two occasions and was less influential in the second half.

Ellis Harrison (off for Ruel Sotiriou 25′) – 6

A good physical outlet for the Gas until injury forced him off.

Fabrizio Cavegn – 5.5

Got into some good areas but he is really not built to deal with long balls forward in the same way Harrison can. Had a really good chance in the first half which he should have done much better with.

Substitutes:Ruel Sotiriou (on 25′) – 5

Lacked quality when it mattered. A poor ball to Thomas was a real shame as the winger would have been one-on-one in the second half.

READ MORE: Gambling non-league footballer fined £50,000 for beating the bookiesBryant Bilongo (on 59′) – 5

Gap left between him and Kilgour at left centre back.

Shaq Forde (on 59′) – 6

Had one good shimmie and shot and then did well to get a cross in for the goal. Good to see him back.