Bristol Rovers survive derby scare against Weston to reach FA Cup second round

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Bristol Rovers were taken to extra time by Vanarama National League South side Weston-super-Mare before beating their West Country neighbours 3-1 to book a place in the FA Cup second round.

A 95th-minute header from Rovers centre-back Connor Taylor, meeting Luke McCormack’s whipped cross, in the first half of the additional period saw Rovers reclaim the lead after the match had finished 1-1 over 90 minutes.

Substitute Grant Ward then curled into the top corner from 20 yards in the closing moments, set up by Luke Thomas, to settle the contest as Rovers were left to breathe a huge sigh of relief at the Memorial Stadium.

Earlier, Rovers had gone ahead when midfielder Isaac Hutchinson found space down the right flank and crossed low for Jamie Lindsay to stab in three minutes before half-time. Seagulls goalkeeper Max Harris got a foot to the ball but was unable to keep the powerful shot out.

The home side’s advantage had lasted until the 64th minute when Weston winger Luke Coulson played a delightful cross-field pass to fellow wide player Jordan Bastin, who cut into the penalty area past defender Taylor Moore before smashing low under goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.

It was no less that the non-league visitors from 26 miles down the M5 deserved, after a spirited second-half display that pushed the Pirates onto the back foot and saw Scott Bartlett’s side having more shots than the League One outfit, but it would be Rovers who would eventually come out on top after extra time.