Miserable Away Form Continues

Bristol Rovers terrible away form continued as they lost to Braintree at Cressing Road.

Darrell Clarke named the same starting eleven but was forced into making changes on the bench as Harrison, Gosling and Preston were all away on International duty. Matty Taylor returned and youngster Donovan Wilson was included in the squad for the first time.

In the opening 30 minutes Rovers probably just edge it, with Adam Cunnington having Rovers best chance which was well saved by the Braintree keeper, but on the half hour mark Braintree were awarded a controversial penalty which changed the game. It looked as if Steve Mildenhall claimed the ball safely as he throw it out, but the referee had saw something different as Tom Parkes followed in striker Jordan Cox. After talking to his two assistants the ref awarded a penalty. There are also reports that a Rovers fan hit the Braintree striker as he went into the back of the net. Kenny Davis sent Mildenhall the wrong way from 12 yards.

Tom Parkes then had a goal ruled out for offside. The second half was a poor one from Rovers who seemed to let the controversial penalty effect them and Braintree went 2-0 up on 59 minutes through Dan Sparkes.

The result and performance left the travelling Gasheads fuming at the teams display. Next up for Rovers is a home game against Wrexham on Tuesday night.