Bristol Rovers supporters finally had reason to celebrate at the Memorial Stadium as their side delivered a resounding 3-0 win over Newport County in a high-stakes Severnside Derby, snapping a miserable run of eight consecutive home league defeats. The result, secured on January 31, 2026, was not just a much-needed morale boost for the Gas, but also a pivotal moment in their battle to avoid relegation from League Two.
The match was billed as a crucial showdown at the foot of the table. Bristol Rovers, languishing in 22nd place and just a point above Newport County, had managed a paltry four points from their previous 17 league games—a staggering drop that had left fans anxious and the club teetering on the brink. Newport, meanwhile, had shown some improvement under Christian Fuchs, collecting two wins in their last five outings, including victories over playoff hopefuls Crewe Alexandra and Chesterfield. However, their preparations for the derby were hampered by the absence of joint top-scorer Nathaniel Opoku, suspended after a red card in a heavy midweek defeat to Accrington Stanley.
Steve Evans, who had only recently taken the reins at Bristol Rovers, faced mounting pressure to steady the ship. His decision to stick with a 4-4-2 formation and hand home debuts to several new faces paid off handsomely. The starting lineup featured Brad Young in goal, with Joel Senior, Riley Harbottle, Alfie Kilgour, and Jack Sparkes forming the back four. In midfield, the pairing of Ryan De Havilland and Clinton Mola, who had impressed in the recent clash with MK Dons, were flanked by Shaq Forde and Tottenham loanee Yusuf Akhamrich. Up front, the physical Ellis Harrison partnered with Swiss striker Fabrizio Cavegn.
The game’s opening moments were tense, with both sides aware of what was at stake. But it was Akhamrich, the 20-year-old on loan from Spurs, who quickly emerged as the star of the show. In just the 11th minute, he seized the initiative with a moment of individual brilliance, unleashing a left-footed rocket from 25 yards that left Newport goalkeeper Jordan Wright clutching at thin air. The Memorial Stadium erupted—this was exactly the kind of spark Rovers had been missing all season.
Akhamrich wasn’t done yet. Eighteen minutes later, he doubled the advantage in style. A long punt forward from captain Alfie Kilgour was expertly controlled by Akhamrich on the right wing. With his first touch, he set himself up, then coolly advanced and slotted the ball past Wright to make it 2-0. The home crowd could hardly believe their eyes—suddenly, the Gas were playing with confidence and flair, a far cry from their recent struggles.
"I think he's now known in the camp as the son of the manager," Evans quipped about Shaq Forde in his pre-match press conference, highlighting the camaraderie and renewed spirit within the squad. The same could easily be said of Akhamrich, whose performance was head and shoulders above the rest. The young midfielder nearly completed his hat-trick midway through the second half with another powerful long-range effort, but this time Wright was equal to the task, diving to push the shot away for a corner.
Newport, for their part, struggled to muster a response. Without Opoku’s attacking threat, Fuchs’ team found it difficult to break down a Rovers defense that looked more assured than in previous weeks. The return of Kilgour to the starting lineup, alongside Harbottle, gave the backline a solidity that had been sorely lacking. Jack Sparkes, despite a dip in form in recent matches, provided energy at left-back, while Young’s continued presence in goal gave the side a sense of continuity amid ongoing uncertainty over the club’s goalkeeping situation.
Midfield was another area where Rovers shone. De Havilland’s composure and set-piece delivery, combined with Mola’s tenacity off the ball, allowed the Gas to control proceedings in the center of the park. Josh McEachran was fit enough to return to the matchday squad, though Evans opted to keep him on the bench, perhaps mindful of the need to ease him back into action after injury. Kamil Conteh and other recent signings provided further depth, hinting at a squad beginning to find its feet at a crucial juncture in the season.
As the game wore on, Newport began to push forward in search of a lifeline, but their efforts left them exposed at the back. With just two minutes left in regulation time, Rovers capitalized on a swift counter-attack. Cavegn, who had worked tirelessly all afternoon, cut in from the right flank and unleashed a thumping shot past Wright to seal a famous 3-0 victory. The goal was a just reward for the Swiss striker’s persistence and gave the home fans another moment to savor.
This result marked only Steve Evans’ second win in nine games since taking charge, but it could hardly have come at a better time. Not only did it lift the Gas out of immediate danger, but it also provided a much-needed injection of belief ahead of a daunting run of fixtures. For Newport and Fuchs, the defeat was a setback, especially given their recent upturn in form and the significance of the derby.
Looking back, the decision to start Akhamrich on the left and Forde on the right proved to be a masterstroke. Akhamrich’s two goals and all-around display earned him plaudits from fans and pundits alike, while Forde’s creativity and work ethic caused Newport problems throughout. Evans’ willingness to trust his young players, as well as his tactical flexibility, were key factors in the turnaround.
There’s no doubt that Bristol Rovers still have plenty of work to do if they are to climb clear of the relegation zone for good. But for now, the mood around the Memorial Stadium is one of cautious optimism. With new signings bedding in, key players returning to form, and the team finally showing signs of cohesion, the Gas have given themselves a fighting chance.
As the final whistle blew, the relief and joy among the home supporters was palpable. After weeks of frustration, they were treated to a performance full of passion, quality, and—above all—hope. If Rovers can build on this result, the dark clouds of relegation may yet be lifted from BS7.