Fleetwood let lead slip at Memorial Stadium
Ashley Hunter’s third goal in three games wasn’t enough for a point as Fleetwood slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers at Memorial Stadium.
Two goals from Matty Taylor and Christian Montero completed a second half comeback for Rovers as The Cod Army fell to a second straight away defeat.
Uwe Rosler made two changes to the side which beat Gillingham on Saturday. David Ball and Jack Sowerby dropped to the bench, with Eggert Jonsson and Ashley Hunter restored to the starting line-up.
Rosler’s side started brilliantly and were ahead just four minutes in. A slip from Jake Clarke-Salter allowed Hunter to have a free run into the area and given the form he’s in, he didn’t need asking twice. The striker drove to the right side of the area and unleashed an unstoppable shot past the helpless Kelle Roos.
Uwe Rosler’s side really should have doubled their lead just moments later. Cian Bolger just mistimed his jump from Bobby Grant’s corner when the former Rovers man was unmarked six yards out.
Rovers rallied and Town had to rely on skipper Nathan Pond to clear his side’s line and block a dangerous shot from Matty Taylor.
Taylor had Rovers’ best chance of the half with 27 minutes on the clock. A misplaced pass from Jimmy Ryan in the Town midfield allowed Byron Moore to slip Taylor in, however his shot was well saved from a tight angle by Chris Neal.
Rovers had a penalty claim turned town by referee Charles Breakspear as Ellis Harrison’s header struck Bolger in added time of the first half. Town remained firm in defence and went in at the break leading by Hunter’s goal.
Relentless pressure from the hosts at the start of the second half eventually paid off with a goal in the 62nd minute. Bolger initially cleared Stuart Sinclair’s corner, but Moore picked up the loose ball and crossed into the middle of the box where Taylor was unmarked to head home.
Darrell Clarke’s side were certainly on the front foot and whilst Uwe Rosler brought on Victor Nirennold and David Ball, Town were limited in their attacking opportunities in the second half.
Soon after came the match winner. Montano picked up the ball inside Fleetwood’s penalty area and his shot went through the hands of Neal to compete a comeback for the hosts.
With Ball, Hunter, Chris Long and Devante Cole on the pitch, Fleetwood searched for an elusive equaliser but weren’t able to create a clear cut chance in the final stages.