‘Unfortunate’ - Joey Barton’s verdict on Bristol Rovers’ League One draw v Stevenage

Bristol Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Stevenage, in what was a frustrating game for Joey Barton’s side.

The visitors took the lead late in on the first-half, as Jamie Reid tucked the ball home from close range, following a Jordan Roberts cross, as Matthew Cox and Connor Taylor collided in the build up.

Rovers equalised deep into the second-half, as Chris Martin caught goal keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond off his line and in dramatic fashion, scored from 40 yards out.

It was important that the Gas avoided defeat after back-to-back losses on the road in recent weeks.

“It was a great finish from Chris Martin, but I thought our performance in the second-half warranted that”, said Barton.

“I think we were unfortunate not to win the game.”

Rovers dominated possession, however only managed to register just two shots on target in the game.

Barton’s side have only lost one league game at the Mem this campaign and the manager will be hoping for that to continue.

“I thought we were guilty of maybe not capitalising on some good moments in the first-half.

“It was a big moment because we got a little bit nervy after that, but I thought when we made the changes at half-time, I felt it really lifted the performance.”

With players back from injury, it allowed Barton to bring on some fresh legs in the second-half, which ultimately got the Gas back into the game.

“I thought Harvey Vale was superb in the second-half and also George Friend. I thought the change at half-time certainly gave us a bit of an impetus,” said Barton.

“We were pushing for the whole of the second-half, it would have been a travesty had they managed to see that out. But thankfully we’ve got an equaliser and if you can’t win them, don’t lose them.”