HOT-SHOT BILLY STRIKES AGAIN
ASSISTANT-MANAGER Marcus Stewart declined to answer questions on whether Billy Bodin would still be a Rovers player at the end of the week.
But if the free-scoring son of former Wales international Paul Bodin is in demand his transfer fee might well have been raised by a stunning firsthalf strike in a closely-fought League One clash.
With Rovers leading by a Stuart Sinclair goal, Bodin picked up the ball 30 yards out shortly before the interval and produced a trademark leftfooted shot to send the ball spinning in off the inside of a post for his fifth goal of the season.
Asked about the possibility of a bid, Stewart smiled and would say only: “I hope he scores in our next game as well.”
Darrell Clarke’s right-hand man was more keen to talk about an excellent result against strong opposition. “Even though we made some changes from the Cup win at Fulham on Tuesday night, the amount of running done in that game took a toll,” he said.
“We looked tired and not at our best. But the players are learning there is more than one way to win games. The environment we try to create for the players and which they make for themselves in training and in the dressing room won the match for us.
“Fleetwood had kept three clean sheets in the League, so to put three goals past them is great. Our strike-rate was really good today.”
Sinclair volleyed Rovers ahead on 24 minutes when Rory Gaffney headed a Joe Partington cross back across goal. It was almost the scorer’s last contribution before being forced off by a groin strain.
Bodin’s fine strike gave Rovers a cushion. But on the hour the lively Devante Cole forced home a cross from impressive substitute Ashley Hunter to give PA Fleetwood hope.
It was Rovers substitute Ellis Harrison who wrapped up the points 11 minutes from time, getting a vital touch to another Partington cross from the right.
Fleetwood manager Uwe Rosler remained upbeat, despite his team’s first League defeat of the season.
He said: “When we lost in the Cup I was upset, but today I am happy enough. We were absolutely in control for much of the match, which pleased me.
“We chased the game in the right way after falling behind and the players showed good character so I can’t be too disappointed, even though we have ended up with nothing to show for our efforts.
“In the final 20 metres of the pitch the quality we like to have to our play was missing a bit. We didn’t test their goalkeeper with enough strikes on goal. “But there were still a lot of positives to take out of the game for us.”