Goalkeepers on top as Bristol Rovers and Crawley share points in stalemate

Posted Sunday, November 17, 2024 by PA

Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Josh Griffiths pulled off a string of late saves as Crawley were unable to find a breakthrough in a 0-0 draw at the Memorial Stadium.

The Pirates shot-stopper made a double save in the 81st minute, as Crawley forced their first shots on target in the match via substitute Tola Showunmi.

Fellow Red Devils replacement Jack Roles then blazed over the bar in the 89th minute, set up by his captain Ronan Darcy, as Crawley spurned their best opening of the game.

At the opposite end, Rovers had signalled their intent early in the proceedings by hitting the crossbar twice in the opening 10 minutes of the match, while visiting goalkeeper Connal Trueman was in equally good form to Griffiths before the break.

First Rovers midfielder Isaac Hutchinson crashed a shot against the bar following a Chris Martin flick at a corner, before the excellent Luke McCormick’s looping header was tipped onto the bar four minutes later by Trueman, as Bryant Bilongo picked out his attacking midfield team-mate.

Trueman also produced a fine save to deny Hutchinson in the first half while Shaq Forde was unable to finish off a good chance for the Pirates.

The visitors dominated possession and impressed with their pressing but as they pushed for the winner in the second half, Rovers remained steadfast to make it just one defeat in their last six home games across all competitions.