Newport County 2–3 Bristol Rovers: Gas Survive Late Scare in Severnside Derby

Following Rovers is never dull, is it? What looked like a routine three points at Rodney Parade turned into a nerve-shredder, but the Gas got the job done to claim bragging rights in the Severnside derby.

The first half was tight, with neither side really grabbing control. Both sets of fans had plenty to say from the stands, but on the pitch it was short of quality. That all changed after the break.

Luke Thomas, who has looked more like his old self in recent weeks, was the man to break it open. He reacted quickest after Nik Tzanev spilled Fabrizio Cavegn’s shot and bundled the ball home in front of the travelling support. The away end went wild.

Minutes later, Thomas was at it again. Pressing high, he punished a moment of slack play from Tzanev to tuck home his second and put Rovers in command. Suddenly the songs were flying out from the away end as the Newport crowd vented their frustrations.

Then came what we thought was the killer blow – Ellis Harrison climbing to meet Alfie Chang’s cross with a trademark header. 3–0 up, derby atmosphere rocking, and the travelling Gasheads celebrating like it was all wrapped up.

But being Rovers, nothing is ever wrapped up. Newport pulled one back through Kai Whitmore, before Nathaniel Opoku made it 3–2 late on to set up a frantic finale. From total comfort to clinging on for dear life – classic Rovers in a nutshell.

The lads had to dig deep in stoppage time, with Newport sniffing an unlikely comeback. But the final whistle was met with huge relief and huge celebrations in equal measure. Three points, derby day glory, and a little surge up the table.

For Newport, it was a sixth successive defeat, and you could feel the frustration boiling over among their supporters. For us, it was another step forward – Thomas looking sharp, Harrison back among the goals, and the team showing resilience when it mattered.

Not perfect, not straightforward, but a proper Gas away day. And at the end of the day, it’s about the points, the pride, and the noise we made in that away end.

Up the Gas.