FA Cup: Bristol Rovers knocked out by National League side
Despite the World Cup being in full swing, some domestic football has carried on across the United Kingdom
Bristol Rovers 0 - 2 Bristol Rovers
Boreham Wood continued their FA Cup exploits by beating League One side Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.
We bow out of the @EmiratesFACup.
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) November 27, 2022
🤝 Best of luck in the next round, @BOREHAM_WOODFC.#BristolRovers
They have now reached the third round for the third year running and took a grip on the game with goals by defenders Will Evans and David Stephens.
Members of the Rovers squad had been affected by illness in the days leading up to the game and the hosts failed to produce a shot on target in the opening half.
Although Joey Barton's team looked marginally better after the break, it was not until the 82nd minute that Wood keeper Nathan Ashmore made his first save of note, denying substitute Harvey Saunders, as the hosts suffered only their second defeat in 13 games.
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒 🤩#WeAreTheWood pic.twitter.com/dLMhP18pOQ
— Boreham Wood FC (@BOREHAM_WOODFC) November 27, 2022
Missed opportunity for the League One side
Bristol Rovers were looking to reach round three for a fourth successive season but looked subdued and short of creative ideas in the opening half after an early Ryan Loft overhead kick flew wide of the Wood goal.
There was applause for Gas defender Nick Anderton, who is currently out of action because of bone cancer, in the 16th minute to coincide with his squad number.
But they fell behind when Zak Brunt cut a corner back to an unmarked George Broadbent just outside the box, and his shot deflected in off the midriff of defender Evans.
The Rovers fans that stayed beyond the full-time whistle applaud the Boreham wood players that leave the pitch. #WeAreWood #BristolRovers
— Will Taylor (@willtaylor35) November 27, 2022
It was almost two when Broadbent headed a Brunt cross against the upright and although Lee Ndlovu tucked home a ball into the box moments later, it was ruled out for offside.
The visitors did not have to wait long for their second, though, as Stephens looped a header beyond James Belshaw and into the net following Femi Ilensanmi's chip.
Belshaw did well to save a low drive by Cameron Coxe which was heading for the bottom corner, and Rovers were relieved to reach half-time only two down after failing to produce a shot on target themselves despite having most of the possession.
Watch the highlights. Video from The Emirates FA Cup - YouTube
One Bristol Rovers fan commented: "We were rubbish, no fight at all from any Rovers player. On one looked like they wanted to be there or play or win. Players shouldn't have any days off this week, they should be training all week. If they play like that again, they should be dropped."
A special page dedicated to the FA Cup (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
