Fleetwood Town 3 - 1 Bristol Rovers: David Ball leads Fleetwood to victory over Bristol Rovers

Posted Sunday, January 15, 2017 by PA

David Ball's dazzling run ended Bristol Rovers' resistance as Fleetwood continued their unbeaten run with a 3-1 Sky Bet League One win.

The Pirates made a bright start and Matty Taylor went close when he found himself unmarked 10 yards out, smashing the ball straight into the arms of Alex Cairns.

But it was Fleetwood who drew first blood, Ball finding room down the right and fed Ash Hunter, who was perfectly placed six yards out and his first time shot nestled low into the far corner for his 10th of the campaign.

Rovers looked to hit straight back, Billy Bodin stinging the palms of Cairns with a long-range effort.

A mix up at the back for the Pirates then gifted Amarii Bell a rare sight of goal but the wing-back was unable to get a clean shot away and the ball diverted behind for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece Fleetwood doubled their advantage, Cian Bolger stealing in at the back post to apply a firm foot to George Glendon's delivery.

It was a frantic first half in which Rovers created plenty of chances to haul their way back, Taylor denied from three yards out as Cairns threw his body in the way of the ball.

Darrell Clarke made a double switch within minutes of the restart, the change quickly paying off as Conor McLaughlin and Nathan Pond collided, Bodin picking up the loose ball and smashing home from close range.

A piece of sublime skill put the game beyond doubt when Ball picked the bal up on the edge of the box and waltzed through the Rovers defence before placing the ball into the far corner.