Pirates shift focus back to league after cup win
TOM Lockyer and Stefan Payne are doubtful for Bristol Rovers’ trip to Burton Albion on Satu- ray.
The Gas did well without both men on Tuesday night when they beat League Two side Yeovil Town 2-0 in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The victory ensures Rovers’ place in the next round of the competition and they are now just four games away from Wembley.
Striker Alex Jakubiak took his chance with both hands, scoring the opening goal in a man of the match performance. before Alex Rodman added the second late in the game.
While at the back, despite the absence of club captain and Wales international Lockyer, Rovers kept another cleansheet with the defence of Daniel Leadbitter, James Clarke, Tom Broadbent and Michael Kelly getting the job done although goalkeeper Jack Bonham also had a huge part to play in that making at least three exceptional saves.
Speaking after the game Bristol Rovers assistant manager Marcus Stewart gave an injury update.
Payne injured his shoulder in the 0-0 draw away at Rochdale on Tuesday last week when he collided with the home goalkeeper who was shown a red card for his part in the coming together. Stewart said: “Stefan is still struggling, he has got a bad shoulder so I don’t know whether he will be training.
“He tried to train the other day and he struggled a bit so he had to pull out. Hopefully he will be training by next Monday.”
Meanwhile Lockyer has been out of action since picking up a head knock in the 0-0 draw away at Bradford on October 29.
Stewart said: “Tom Lockyer has had concussion and he will be struggling for the weekend as well.
“He has not responded to training as well as we would have liked but it is just one of those protocols you have to follow.”
Meanwhile, Yeovil manager Darren Way has called for better discipline in defence after Tuesday’s defeat at Rovers which left the Glovers now unable to qualify from the group.
After creating history by going 573 minutes without conceding a goal earlier in the season, Way would like his defence to revert back to their early season form.
Speaking to the club website, Way, who is without his injured captain and defender Omar Sowunmi, said: “These teams are nothing special and it’s very close and unfortunately since we have had a number of players out we have made mistakes in the box which has led to goals.”