Victory over Watford, Hereford in the league tomorrow!

Well what a game we had at The Mem on Tuesday evening! A fantastic performance from Rovers saw us take Watford to penalties after falling behind within 2 minutes of the first half and from there, Mustapha Carayol netted the winning spot kick after Scott Bevan saved 2! It was a grippingly exciting cup match and although extra-time was the last thing either us or Watford will have wanted, both sides were just as desperate to win the game.

Marvin Sordell gave our visitors a dream start to the game as he converted a left wing cross from close range, something the travelling army of Hornets fans will have been delighted about seeing as their side had only netted 2 goals all season up until that point. However, if they thought they would go on and comfortably despatch of Rovers they were sadly mistaken, as in-form forward Matt Harrold unleashed a spectacular 20 yard effort that flew past 'keeper Rene Gilmartin and in to the far corner! A superb strike from the former Shrewsbury man brought his season's tally up to 3 goals and Rovers were back in it.

Both sides had chances in the rest of normal time, Rovers hit the crossbar after Kuffour's deflected strike hit the crossbar before bouncing on the line. There were appeals that the ball had crossed the line but the officials weren't convinced and play resumed. Watford themselves struck the bar as well as the post when captain John Eustace struck powerfully from outside the box, however, Bevan had it covered, despite the ball hitting the woodwork.

The game went in to extra-time and the first period of it saw the visitors do most of the attacking but Rovers defence stood firm to prevent any real goalscoring opportunities for Troy Deeney and the lively Sordell. In the second half though, Rovers should have scored when Scott McGleish struck from 6 yards out, only to see his effort superbly blocked by a defender on the line. That was the final chance of the game which left penalties as the decider of the contest.

Jo Kuffour, Adam Virgo and Wayne Brown scored for Rovers, however McGleish put his penalty wide. But that didn't matter as Bevan pulled off a great save from Watford's first spot kick and then saved Carl Dickinson's effort, leaving Carayol with the deciding penalty. The former Lincoln man side footed home in to the bottom right corner to seal victory for the Gas and progression in to the second round against Leyton Orient! It was a magnificent display from Rovers and Paul Buckle was understandably pleased,  however visiting boss Sean Dyche must be feeling the pressure as his side remain win-less from their opening fixtures.

Following on from a cup victory, Rovers face lowly Hereford on Saturday, hoping to get their second home league win of the season so far. Hereford are yet to win however that makes them dangerous opponents for Rovers, who will come up against former players Harry Pell and Ryan Green. Pell left the club as recently as the Summer after winning young player of the year award, whilst Green was part of the side that won promotion in 2007, so both are likely to receive warm welcomes from the home crowd.

It's a big game and one I believe we can win comfotably. Saying that, we have a few niggles in the squad and played 120 minutes in midweek so it will not be easy. But, being a confident Gashead these days, I think I'll plump for a 2-0 win!

Up the Gas!