Rovers kick off

Joe Anyinsah has joined Bristol Rovers to boost their attacking options ahead of the new season.

Striker-cum-winger Anyinsah, 26, started his career at Bristol City, but has returned to his home city after spells at Carlisle, Charlton and Preston as well as several loan deals.

Rovers got their pre-season under way last night with a 5-1 win at Mangotsfield United and gave an outing to trialist Cian Hughton - son of Birmingham boss Chris. Hughton junior was released by Lincoln at the end of last season which I find surprising as I saw him play several times and thought he looked very handy. Cost cuttng by the Imps maybe?

A deflected strike by Lee Brown and goals from new boy Scott McGleish, Eliot Richards and a Ben Swallow brace saw off Mangotsfield.

Bermudian international Reggie Lambe also took part in the game. Lambe, 20, spent two months at the Memorial Ground at the end of last term and showed he had some talent despite ending up in a relegated side.

Striker Nathan Elder, 26, is currently training with Cheltenham Town while on trial after terminating his contract with Shrewsbury "by mutual consent".

Meanwhile Matt Paterson, 20, has linked up with Oxford in the hope of earning a contract. The striker played for Southend last season, but hasn't been given a squad number for the coming campaign and will fly out to the USA for the U's pre-season tour.

And Paolo di Canio is about to make his sixth signing according to BBC Wiltshire. Striker Hugo Bargas, 24, is reported to be joining the Italian's County Ground revolution. Bargas was born in Lyon, France, but has spent most of his life in Argentina. However, it the reports are correct, he will be switching to Swindon from Dutch club De Graafschap.