UPDATE: Bristol Rovers have officially broken their lengthy winless streak with a spectacular 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town at The Croud Meadow on January 1, 2026. This marks their first league win since September and is a triumphant start to the new year, highlighted by a stunning hat-trick from Fabrizio Cavegn.
After a challenging first half, the Gas returned from the break with renewed vigor. Cavegn’s three goals not only secured the win but also provided Steve Evans with his first victory as head coach at the club after three attempts. The Rovers dominated possession throughout the match, holding 61% of the ball, but struggled to convert chances early on.
The action heated up just two minutes into the second half when Shrewsbury’s John Marquis had a one-on-one opportunity, but was thwarted by Rovers’ goalkeeper Luke Southwood. The turning point came in the 63rd minute when a defensive error allowed Cavegn to score the first goal, tapping in from close range after a misjudged header from a Shrewsbury defender.
With Shrewsbury pressing for an equalizer, Cavegn doubled Rovers’ lead when he received a clever pass from Shaq Forde, taking a touch inside the box before firing home. He sealed his hat-trick in stoppage time, slotting in a low cross from Joel Senior, sealing a perfect afternoon for the Gas.
The win propels Bristol Rovers above Shrewsbury in the League Two standings. Next, they face Barrow in just three days, while Shrewsbury prepares for a challenging away match against promotion contenders Salford City.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as the Gas look to build on this momentum. The upcoming match against Barrow is crucial, followed by a 13-day break before their next league game against Colchester United. Additionally, Rovers will aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Vertu Trophy when they host Plymouth Argyle on January 13.
For those eager to stay updated on all things Bristol Rovers, a new WhatsApp community has been launched, providing fans with the latest news, match coverage, and exclusive offers directly to their phones.
This exciting win not only boosts team morale but also instills hope in fans who have waited too long for a victory. The Gas are fired up and ready for the challenges ahead!
