Cavegn the hat-trick hero as Rovers end long wait for League Two victory

BRISTOL Rovers started 2026 with their first league win since September, thanks to a second-half hat-trick from Fabrizio Cavegn, as they beat Shrewsbury Town 3-0 at The Croud Meadow on New Year's Day.

- Will MURRAY

Rovers defender Tom Lockver in action yesterday

The result lifts the Gas above Michael Appleton’s side, with Steve Evans registering his first win in charge of the club at the fourth attempt.

After a pedestrian start to the first half, Rovers thought they had a penalty in the 20th minute when Cavegn was fouled in the box after Alfie Kilgour had flicked on a long free-kick.

The linesman’s offside flag was up, though, and seconds later, Shrewsbury had the best chance of the half at the other end when Tommy McDermott threaded through former Rovers striker, John Marquis, who hit the outside of the left post.