BRISTOL PASSION
Garner raps snipers who say Rovers are buying success
ROVERS are up and running thanks to a couple of housemates, a summer recruitment spree, and a manager with a point to make.
Boss Ben Garner oversaw an impressive victory at table-topping Lincoln – then fired a broadside at those who have sniped that they are buying their way to success.
He said: “I was made aware of some comments before the game that we had 30 players in our squad and are over-investing heavily.
“We have made a profit in our transfer fees, we have lowered the wage bill, all within the salary cap.
We have reduced numbers in our squad. The reason we have picked up is how hard these players are working on the training ground.”
A tad touchy, yes, but new-look Rovers appear to be emergi ng from the doldrums which saw them win just one match before this.
The Imps, whose 100 per cent League One record was ripped to bits on Saturday, have nipped, tucked and renewed their playing staff under Michael Appleton, too.
But having taken the lead through a Jack Baldwin own goal ( below, top), they conceded their first home goals of the season as James Daly and Brandon Hanlan from the penalty spot turned the match on its head.
Lincoln’s task became harder when Adam Jackson was sent off in the 83rd minute (centre) for a second yellow card.
Midfielder Liam Bridcutt said Imps caused their own problems. He said: “We beat ourselves today. I don’t think they had real quality or threatened us at all, it was all down to our own mistakes.”
Goalscorer Daly headed the equaliser from a cross by housemate Josh Hare and Garner joked: “They live together so I don’t know if they have been practising in the front room but it was a fantastic goal.”
Daly arrived from Crystal Palace in January while sidekick Hanlan, who won and converted the penalty decider (celebrating, left), signed from Gillingham last month. Daly said: “It’s working well. We complement each other and we are both just working
hard . The quality of the boys in training is frightening but it’s a l l about doing it when the match demands it. We have loads of talent in the squad.”
Garner paid tribute to his front pair when he said: “Daly’s one of the hardest-working players you will ever find. Hanlan’s ability to win the penalty was fantastic but we saw the other side of his game. He took a heavy bang on his back but gritted his teeth and got through another 20 minutes for us.” LINCOLN: Palmer 7, Eyoma 6 (Howarth 63, 5), Jackson 5, Montsma 7, Edun 6, McGrandles 6 (Archibald 75, 4) Bridcutt 6, Jones 6, Anderson 6, Hopper 7 (Scully 68, 5), Jorge Grant 6
Jaakola 7, Harries 7, Baldwin 6, Ehmer 7, Hare 8, Westbrooke 7 (Upson 84), Josh Grant 7, McCormick 8, Tutonda 7, Hanlan 7 (Nicholson 83), Daly 7 (Hargreaves 89)
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