Rovers progressed to the third round of the Capital One Cup in dramatic style defeating Hull City.
Rovers suffered the worst possible start when City striker Aaron McClean scored in the opening minute. City doubled their lead in the tenth minute and looked in firm control of the tie.
With half time approaching midfielder David Syers unleashed a volley from all of 25 yards out to give Rovers some hope going in at the break.
The goal sparked a remarkable revival for Rovers and the scores were levelled on the hour mark when Rob Jones glanced the ball into the back of the net before David Syers scored his second of the game to ensure Rovers progressed to the next round.
Manager Dean Saunders was visibly delighted with the performance and praised his players’ work ethic and determination to win the game.
‘It was an unbelievable game,’ he said
‘We spent a lot of time this week working on the way were we going to play, then we conceded a terrible goal so early – we had a plan B if things didn’t go our way.
‘We then conceded a free kick which they reacted quicker to get to the bal – at 2-0 down I was thinking about trying to keep the score down and keeping us in the game.
‘We fought our way back into the game, we made some good tackles and the fans got behind us. We managed to score a great goal right before half time that gave us some belief.
‘We got closer to them second half, but it could have still gone either way. There were some great performances out there the players showed great determination and desire.
‘It was similar to the pre-season game, for half an hour we couldn’t get anywhere near them, but we managed to beat them 3-1.
‘They were absolutely magnificent and to actually keep going till the end was testament to how fit we are and how well pre-season went.
‘Second half we were getting stronger and stronger, getting the goal in the final minutes and David Syers running the length of the pitch to score it epitomised the whole performance.’
Rovers go into the hat for the next round of the competition and could come up against one of the biggest teams in English football. A tie against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea is a possibility as they enter the competition in the third round.
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