Football Carr hails Rovers' show of character in 'crazy' Trophy tussle

BRISTOL Rovers earned two points from their first group-stage game in the EFL Trophy after a hectic 4-4 draw against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s at the Memorial Stadium, followed by a 5-4 victory in the resulting penalty shootout.

- Dan HARGRAVES

Rovers found themselves 3-0 down by the 16th minute which later prompted Darrell Clarke to bring off defender Dan Ellison, who was making his competitive Gas debut, for midfielder Kamil Conteh in a tactical switch.

The Pirates managed to get a goal back before halftime through Ellis Harrison before substitute Fabrizio Cavegn, who replaced Harrison at halftime, bagged his first Rovers goals in the second half.

Spurs added a fourth before going down to 10 men after goal-Keeper Samual Archer was sent off for clattering into Ryan Howley, who was through on goal. Isaac Hutchinson scored directly from the resulting free-kick.

Cavegn scored his second to equalise with Rovers having a number of chances to win the game. Instead, the tie went to a penalty shootout to decide who would earn the extra point. Spot-kicks from Cavegn, Luke Thomas, Hutchinson, Kamil Conteh and Taylor Moore saw the Gas victorious.