UPDATE: Bristol Rovers have dramatically ended their 14-match winless streak with a stunning 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town, fueled by a second-half hat-trick from Fabrizio Cavegn on January 1, 2026. This marks a triumphant start to the new year and a significant achievement for newly appointed head coach Steve Evans, who has secured his first win in charge at the fourth attempt.
The game, held at The Croud Meadow, saw Rovers dominate possession early on but struggle to find the net until the second half. Rovers had a near penalty opportunity in the 20th minute when Cavegn was fouled, but the linesman’s offside flag nullified the chance. Shrewsbury’s John Marquis came close to scoring but struck the outside of the left post, highlighting the tension in the first half.
After a lackluster opening period, the game shifted dramatically just after the interval. Marquis found himself one-on-one with Rovers’ goalkeeper Luke Southwood, but his shot was expertly saved. Rovers maintained the upper hand, with Cavegn finally breaking the deadlock in the 63rd minute. A misjudged header from a Shrewsbury defender allowed him to tap in an easy goal, igniting the away supporters.
The match intensified as Shrewsbury pushed back, but Cavegn struck again, doubling the lead after a swift assist from Shaq Forde in the 81st minute. He showcased his skill by taking a touch inside the box before firing home, effectively sealing the game. Cavegn completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, scoring a low shot following a well-placed ball from Joel Senior.
This victory is a crucial turning point for Bristol Rovers as they aim to climb up the League Two table. With their next match against Barrow in just three days, the team will seek to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, Shrewsbury will face a challenging away fixture against promotion contenders Salford City.
Fans can stay updated on Bristol Rovers’ progress by joining the club’s WhatsApp community, where they will receive the latest news, match coverage, and special offers directly to their phones.
The Gas are looking to capitalize on this win as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a crucial tie against Colchester United later this month and a chance to advance in the Vertu Trophy against Plymouth Argyle on January 13.
With this fresh start to the year, Bristol Rovers are poised to make a significant impact in their league campaign. The buzz around the club is palpable, and fans are eager for what lies ahead.
