Monday, 18 February 2013

Bristol Rovers 1 Wycombe Wanderers 0

Ryan Brunt ditched a cushy job as Premier League reserve to get his career on track.

Striker Brunt, 19, scored his second goal in five starts after signing a transfer window deal from Stoke and then revealed he decided not to be a bit part player after chatting to his former boss. 


Winger Joe Anyinsah crossed from the right and the ball was half-cleared to Brunt on the edge of the box who volleyed in his second goal since joining Rovers from Stoke in the transfer window.

Brunt then said:

"It's all very well being associated with a Premier League side, but if you're not going to play for four years, it's four years wasted as far as I'm concerned.

Tony Pulis sat down with me and said playing games was the best thing for me and he's right. It's better than sitting on the bench anywhere else. It was time for me to move on and make a name for myself and I haven't regretted coming here."

Rovers have now only lost one game in nine since John Ward returned for a second spell in charge and the manager was equally impressed with Brunt and his defence. He said:

"Ryan's a 19-year-old who plays as though he is 29. He's now scored twice for me and won a couple of penalties in five appearances, so I'm delighted with him.

"My players were throwing bodies in the way of the ball in injury time and I enjoyed seeing that because it showed the spirit we have in the side.

"We had to dig in and protect our lead, which made it more like an away victory, but that made me all the more delighted with my players.  It showed the spirit in the team is alive and well. We defended very strongly and that' one area of my team selection that's been consistent."


Brunt, 19, could have opened the scoring in the seventh minute when winger Fabian Broghammer linked up with him from the left, but the hit man miscued a shot from the edge of the box.

But Brunt's goal did stir Rovers into a little life and midfielder Oliver Norburn tried a cheeky lob from ten yards inside his own half that had keeper Jordan Archer back-peddling to claim under the bar.

And Brunt had another chance four minutes after the break when he sent a twenty yard shot wide after being teed up again by Broghammer.

Wycombe came close in the 82nd minute when substitute Matt Spring and former Rovers striker Jo Kuffour failed to connect with midfielder Michael Harriman's cross from only one yard out.


The Chairboys have now lost two on the bounce following a run that took them from relegation candidates to an outside chance of the play-offs and player-manager Gareth Ainsworth said:

"Our lads are gutted not to get something, but we'll be back - no problem.

"I am a big admirer of John Ward, who is one of football's gentlemen, and he has them well organised and difficult to beat.

"That's where we were a few weeks ago and that's where we have to get back to. I think probably six weeks ago, we would have won it."

My piece from this morning's paper
And yesterday's edition





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