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.
25. Bristol Rovers: Ryan Brunt
Now a managing director at Recover Fit, which helps footballers. | Getty Images Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
26. Bristol City: Sam Baldock
Not given a shirt number by Oxford United, and not a part of their squad. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
27. Bristol Rovers: Alefe Santos
Brazil-born midfielder came to England and started his career with Rovers. He moved to Derby, had spells at Yeovil Town, Aldershot, Weymouth, Chippenham, and is now at Poole Town. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images