September 4, 2013. Ashton Gate. EFL Trophy.
It’s been ten years since Bristol City and Bristol Rovers played each other in a competitive match, which was an EFL Trophy tie at Ashton Gate.
The Robins claimed the bragging rights as Joe Bryan netted the winner in the 76th minute after Mark McChrystal had cancelled out Jay Emmanuel-Thomas goal in front of the Gasheads. It was the first meeting between the two in nearly seven years, and since then both sides of Bristol have been starved of another derby.
After the match, there was 19 arrests made by Avon & Somerset Police, and Bristol City had to condemn the actions of supporters who had invaded the pitch. A near 18,000 attended the match at the Gate, and the match was broadcast on Sky Sports. Earlier this summer, Joey Barton revealed that there had been an attempt of a ‘friendly’ Bristol Derby which would have helped each side with their preparations for the season, but the fixture did not take place.
Ten years is a long time in football and a lot has changed for the players that featured that day. It comes as no surprise that some are retired, whilst others are still in the game and in fact two are in the Premier League. Interestingly, two players had been opponents on this night, but now call themselves teammates at Mansfield Town.
Flick through this gallery to see where each player ended up. Bristol City made three subs compared to Rovers’ two and so that’s why there are more City players.
1. Bristol City: Elliot Parish
Spent one season at Bristol City, then went to Blackpool, Colchester United, Accrington Stanley and Dundee. Last Contracted to Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone, Free agent now. Photo: Paul Thomas/Getty Images)
2. Bristol Rovers: Steve Mildenhall
Joined on loan and then permanently, became goalkeeping coach at Swindon Town in 2018, and was part of numerous coaching staffs. Goalkeeping coach at Swindon Town. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
3. Bristol City: Brendan Maloney
Was at Forest with Sean O’Driscoll, signed at City in 2014, and then joined Yeovil Town after a season, before finishing his playing career with Northampton Town. The 34-year-old is now a coach. Photo: Harry Angels/Getty Images
4. Bristol Rovers: Michael Smith
Spent three years at Rovers, become a centurion and then joined Peterborough United, and then spent six years at Hearts. He had a trial at Cheltenham Town this summer, but didn’t earn a contract. Free agent. Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Image