Razor-sharp Roberts gives Rovers the edge

Both managers had sympathy for Oxford striker Steve Anthrobus, whose 58th minute sending off changed
the game. The big target man was red-carded for pole-axing David Pritchard with a leading arm, leaving the
Rovers player flat out for several minutes. Anthrobus immediately apologised and insisted the collision was
accidental, a view shared by Oxford boss Malcolm Shotton. But referee Ken Leach disagreed and quickly
pointed to the tunnel.

Rovers were good value for their win and have yet to concede a goal this season. They defended solidly and
always had a danger man in striker Jason Roberts, who netted his fourth goal of the campaign to settle the
result on the hour. Roberts will soon be attracting the attention of bigger clubs. At 21, he is still improving
and his rampaging style is causing havoc for Second Division defences. His goal was superbly taken, holding
off marker Steve Davis to turn on the edge of the box and place a low shot past Andre Arendse.

After that, Rovers could have trebled their lead as Roberts and striker partner Jamie Cureton forced saves from
the busy Oxford keeper.

The first-half had been more even with few chances for either side. But the dismissal of Anthrobus saw
Rovers start to dominate. Derek Lilley volleyed just over for Oxford early on, while Simon Weatherstone
brought a good save from Rovers golakeeper Lee Jones with a long-range drive. But Roberts always gave
Rovers the edge with his strength and pace. A deflected shot on 25 minutes required a scrambling save from
Arendse.

On this form Rovers look a good bet to challenge for honours. Manager Ian Holloway has hit on a 5-3-2
formation that gives his team much more solidity than last season. Oxford played some neat football without
creating much and Shotton observed, "If we think we can do well at this level without competing in all aspects
of the game, it's going to be a very long season."

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Roberts Clincher

Jason Roberts clinched the points for Rovers two minutes after Oxford striker Steve Anthrobus was sent off.
An elbow caught defender Dave Pritchard as he jumped with Anthrobus on the halfway line just short of the
hour, and Pritchard was taken off soon after with concussion.

Roberts fired low to give the home team the edge, his duel with Phil Whelan, who limped out with a calf strain,
a feature of a tough first half seeking direction.

Life is difficult for Oxford back in the Second Division, but Anthrobus carved out two possible chances, both
of which fell to Simon Weatherstone. He hurried the first over the bar and drew a late save on the post from
Rovers keeper Lee Jones, yet to be beaten this season.

TEAMTALK

  Oxford lost one-nil to Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground with Jason Roberts' goal punishing
  the sending-off of United's Steve Anthrobus.
  The first half of the match was rather drab with both sides eager to ensure no soft goals were
  given away.
  Oxford would have been pleased at half-time that they were able to keep Rovers' fine attacking
  partnership of Jason Roberts and Jamie Cureton at bay.
  However two incidents around the hour-mark pierced Oxford's attempts to keep a clean sheet and
  to gain at least a point from the contest.
  Steve Anthrobus was dismissed for violent conduct after fifty-eight minutes, leaving United down
  to ten men and vulnerable to Rovers' attack.
  The goal had to be somewhat expected and United fell behind on sixty minutes when Jason
  Roberts struck for the home side.
  Rovers had been looking to maintain their record of three clean sheets in a row and were able to
  do so in the end.
  It was a brave display by Oxford but once United were reduced to ten men it was always going to
  be difficult against Rovers's potent strikers.