Gas fans answer the call and Darrell Clarke and Ellis’ Harrison’s Bristol Rovers reception

A late Aaron Collins goal propelled Bristol Rovers to within three points of the league one playoffs as they defeated Port Vale, and heroic ex-Rovers manager Darrell Clarke.

The Gas have now lost only one of their last 12 games and with lots going on at the Memorial Stadium throughout, here’s some moments you might have missed:

Anderson and Hoole warming up before everyone else.

Harry Anderson nears his Bristol Rovers return after injuring his foot against Sheffield Wednesday in October, and the winger and Luca Hoole were seen warming up before the rest of their teammates, with neither in the matchday squad.

Ellis and Darrell back at the Mem

Port Vale striker Ellis Harrison and his manager Darrell Clarke both returned to the Memorial Stadium, with Harrison coming through the Rovers academy, making 185 appearances in blue and white before being sold to Ipswich.

Clarke managed the Gas between 2014 and 2018 and led the club to back to back promotions from the conference to league one.

The Port Vale boss was given a warm round of applause when he crossed the pitch just before the match began, and there was a minute’s applause on the 18th for his daughter, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Harrison was substituted in the second half after going down with an injury, and was applauded by all corners of the ground.

Warm welcome for Gibbons

The right-back came through the Vale academy, and despite declining a contract extension to join the Gas in the summer, the away fans let him know that there were no hard feelings with chants of “gibbo” and “he’s one of our own” ringing out from the away end as he warmed up.

Less warm welcome for Whelan

Formerly of Stoke City, it was not the same warm welcome for Glenn Whelan that his teammate had, and the Vale fans made their feelings known for a player who made 291 appearances and captained their fierce rivals.

Fans lend a hand

Bristol Rovers asked supporters before the match whether they could help in putting the sheets over the pitch. It was a cold icy day in December and snow would soon follow on the Sunday. Tuesday’s match against MK Dons is subject to a pitch inspection but the fans have done all they can to get the game to go ahead.