Football Clarke hails 'fantastic' victory despite nervy ending

DARRELL Clarke took accountability for Bristol Rovers' performance towards the end of a 3-2 win at Newport County which saw them concede two goals from substitutes Kai Whitmore and Nathaniel Opoku.

- Dan HARGRAVES

After a flat first half, Rovers broke the deadlock early into the second period as Luke Thomas bundled the ball over the line after Fabrizio Cavegn hit the post and then forced a save in a goalmouth frenzy.

Thomas then got his second seven minutes later after picking up a poor pass from Newport goalkeeper Nik Tzanev to finish clinically. Substitute Ellis Harrison added a third in the 72nd minute, heading home a delightful cross from debutant Alfie Chang, who joined on loan from Birmingham City on deadline day, before the two late goals.

"Listen, I'll take accountability for that last 10-15 minutes," Clarke reflected post-match. "I said that to my players in there. Don’t let that gloss over what is a fantastic win for us in a derby.