Notts. County 1 Bristol Rovers 2

Last updated : 26 March 2005 By Footymad Previewer
If ever there was a ground where Bristol Rovers' appalling away run was likely to come to an end you could have bet it would be Meadow Lane.

Rovers won away matches at Mansfield and Darlington, but that was way back in August since when they have failed to win in 17 games.

Despite a bright opening in which they neglected to take several chances, Rovers' hopes didn't look bright when they fell behind to a soft goal in the ninth minute.

Rovers keeper Ryan Clarke should have done better than to push Stefan Oakes' fierce drive into the path of Glynn Hurst. The Notts leading scorer, snapped up the chance with glee for his second strike in two games.

Rovers continued to enjoy the better of the play and Rob Elliot remained the busier of the two goalkeepers with three excellent save.

Junior Agogo was constantly pulling the Notts defence apart and tapped in a simple equaliser a minute before half-time that changed the course of the match.

Robbie Ryan fired in a bullet cross from the left and Agogo was at the near post to apply the easy finish, although Julien Baudet may have got the final touch.

Rovers' winning goal came only nine minutes into the second half and was again down to poor defensive work by Notts.

Slack marking gave Richard Walker a chance to beat Elliot with a looping finish.

Looking for more firepower Notts later replaced veteran striker Mark Stallard with local boy Steve Scoffham, who had not played since breaking his leg at the end of last season.

Scoffham who came on to huge cheers, nearly forced a late equaliser but Clarke denied him.

Notts had already given a league debut to Australian midfielder Ruben Zadkovich, who looked an excellent prospect.