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The Pirates |
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Ian Atkins: Sacked |
Rovers made a poor start to the season and following a
4-0 defeat against Chester it resulted in Ian Atkins being sacked as
manager. Atkins had been in charge at the Memorial Stadium since April
2004 after he quit Oxford United for the post but current caretaker
manager, Paul Trollope, was quick to criticise his former boss.
"It wasn't a happy camp and the man-management of the
players has been the biggest problem at the club," Trollope told BBC
Radio Bristol. "We've had too many players out of position, unhappily,
with clouds hanging over their head."
Paul Trollope is looking for the managers role on a
permanent basis but the Bristol Board of Directors were this week
rebuffed by Chester when they made an approach to speak with their
manager Keith Curle, who started his carrer with Rovers.
Rovers main threat comes from striker Junior Agogo
with the former QPR striker finding the back of the net on seven
occasion so far this season. |
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Past Encounters |
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The two teams have only ever met in the league with the last
encounters coming in the 2002/03 season. Wrexham came out on top in both
games, winning 3-0 at the Memorial Ground courtesy of a Lee Trundle strike
and a brace from Andy Morrell. In the reverse at the Racecourse a late goal
from Carlos Edwards secured the win after former Wrexham striker Chris
Llewellyn had cancelled out opening goals from Scott Green and Andy Morrell.
The overall record sees Bristol Rovers just edging it with 16
victories in 38 games, with Wrexham one behind on 15 and there have been 7
draws. |
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Form Guide |
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Wrexham:
WLDDLWWL |
Rovers: DLWLWDLL |
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Following the dismissal of Ian Atkins as manager Rovers won
their next game courtesy of a single goal victory over Darlington, which is
their only home win of the season. Rovers have a better record on their
travels but in the next game they tasted defeat at Bury before returning
home from Carlisle with all three points. A goalless draw at home to
Northampton followed before Rovers suffered two defeats on the road with
reverses at Boston in the league and at Peterborough in the LDV. Wrexham's
problems lie away from the Racecourse this season after they recorded their
fifth home win of the season in seven league games last Saturday but on their travels they
have only mustered three draws from the six league games played. In their last four
home games Cheltenham, Stockport and Torquay have been despatched with ease
but in between these victories there has been comprehensive defeats at
Lincoln and Wycombe along with draws at Orient and at home to Macclesfield.
On Tuesday night Wrexham exited the LDV Vans Trophy with appalling defending
leading to a 4-3 defeat at League One Blackpool. |
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Bookies View |
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Bristol Rovers are slight favourites at the
bookies with Centrebet pricing the Rovers victory at 7/5. The Wrexham win is
on offer at 15/8 at Bet Direct, Bet Odd or Even and Stan James with the draw
on offer with Pinnacle at 2.35/1. |
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Team News |
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Wrexham Team News:
Wingback come striker Dean Bennett has been ruled out with an ankle injury
that he picked up at Blackpool in midweek and there are doubts over Dennis
Lawrence and Paul Warhurst with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.
Juan Ugarte is included in the squad that remains without Matt Crowell, Jim
Whitley, Lee Roche and Shaun Pejic.Michael Ingham
starts in goal with Dave Bayliss and Andy Holt definite starters in defence.
The experiment with four at the back did not work at Blackpool and if
Lawrence and Warhurst are ruled out then Simon Spender would be the obvious
choice to drop back in defence. Other options would be teenager Mike
Williams or even dropping Danny Williams back from midfield. The rest of the
team depends on the defensive formation but if Spender is required in a
three man defence then Robbie Foy is an option on the right with Alex Smith
continuing on the left. If Danny Williams is also not required in defence
then he will team up again with Mark Jones and Darren Ferguson in midfield
with either Lee McEvilly or Juan Ugarte joining Jon Walters up front.
Rovers Team News: Bristol Rovers are without suspended midfielder
Michael Leary after he picked up his fifth booking of the season against
Boston. Ali Gibb will have a late decision on his back, while Ryan Williams
is still out with his knee injury.
Officials: The match referee is Pat Miller from Bedfordshire and he
is assisted by James Cox and Mark Weaver with Roger Vaughan as fourth
official. Pat Miller has refereed 9 games this season sending off 2 players
and booking 28 at an average of 3.11 per game, although 8 of the yellow
cards came in same game as the two red cards.
Other
League 2 Fixtures:
Bristol Rovers
v Wrexham
Chester v Bury
Darlington v Cheltenham
Grimsby v Leyton Orient
Lincoln City v Wycombe
Mansfield v Barnet
Notts County v Carlisle
Oxford United v Boston United
Peterborough v Rochdale
Rushden & Diamonds v Shrewsbury
Stockport v Northampton
Torquay v Macclesfield |
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Venue Guide |
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Address:
The Memorial Stadium, Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BF.
Telephone Number: 0117 9096648
Fax Number: 0117 9085530 |
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How to get there? |
| By Car:
Leave the M5 at junction 15 where you head eastbound on the M4
towards London. You leave the m4 at the next junction (19) to join the
M32. Travel on the M32 for 1.5 miles leaving at junction 2 taking the
third exit signposted for Horfield and Southmead. The ground is signposted
Memorial
Stadium from hereon and travel through the road division and roundabout
where you will pick up Muller Road. Continue on this road for 1.4 miles until
you come to a crossroads with a set of lights. Turn left at this junction
into Filton Avenue and the ground will be immediately on your left. By
Train:
Nearest Train Station is Bristol Temple Meads and is 3.5 miles away. A
taxi will cost you up to £6 but there are frequent bus services. Take the
No 8 or 9 to Broadmeads Shopping centre and from there cross the road to
catch a number 70 or 73 from outside the 'Bristol Fashion Pub'. A number
75 will drop you off by the pubs in Gloucester Road. Click here for the Rail
Track Online Timetable or call national enquiries on 08457 484950. |
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When you are there |
| Car Parking: Apparently you will only b able to park on Filton Avenue if you arrive two
days in advance! With all the areas around the ground residential parking
is difficult as you have to fight for spaces with home supporters as well
as the locals. Popular choices are Muller Road and Gloucester Road
although the latter is more difficult. If you are struggling then you have
to try the other side of Gloucester Road past the Wellington pub and you
will find a complex of streets along Kellaway Avenue. Beer and Grub:
There
are loads of pubs on Gloucester Road where you can virtually take your
pick but do stay clear of the Duke of York or the Victoria. Options
include the Wellington, although crowds of supports gather outside on a
good day and plastic glasses are used (use your discretion!), Royal George, The John Cabot Inn, The Foresters and The Ashley Arms.
On previous visits the Annex Inn in Nevill Road was fine and there was no hassle
in club colours either and it is only ten minutes from the ground. To find
it follow signs for the Cricket Ground. There is a bar behind the the
stadium that admits away supporters. The stadium food is of a good quality
with the Cornish Pasties the top choice. Outside the ground there is a
variety of outlets available with the Bristol Fryer (near Quarington Road
junction) and the Big Bite Cafe (Ashley down Road) the best for
traditional British food.
Cash Machines: Abbey National on Ashley Down Road but TESCO on Lime Trees Road has
their own machine plus one from HSBC and Barclays Bank. You will also find
Lloyds on Gloucester road. All these are within a mile of the ground. |
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How much to get in? |
| XXXX South Stand:
Adults £14.50, Concessions £7.50 but tickets must be purchased in advance from
Wrexham FC. |
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Disabled Facilities |
| There are three parking spaces for away
fans within 100 metres of the ground but these must be pre booked.
Access to the stadium if at ground level with wheelchair users paying £6
in advance but the helper is admitted for free. Seven wheelchair spaces
in the Centenary Stand in a elevated position with helpers sitting
behind. There are 8 toilets with alarm cords nearby but the kiosks are
not dedicated. The DSA is Ian Holtby and he can be contacted on 0117 924
7474. |
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Weather Forecast |
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Sunny with temperatures reaching a maximum of 15 degrees
Celsius and 7 mph north westerly wind. |
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