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4 clusters · 10 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

Bristol Rovers pre‑season & opening Cup fixture

Entities: Bristol City Football Club · Steve Evans · Newcastle United Football Club · Bristol Rovers Football Club · Peterborough United Football Club

Overview

Bristol Rovers continued an intensive pre‑season in July 2026, playing Leicester City (2‑1 loss on 14 July), Portsmouth (1‑1 draw on 18 July) and Forest Green Rovers (2‑2 draw on 22 July). The Forest Green match saw substitute Tommy Leigh score both Rovers goals, the second arriving in the final minute, and the squad made eleven changes at halftime. Injuries were reported after that game: striker Ellis Harrison suffered a rib knock, while midfielders Jack Sparkes and Mees Rijks were still recovering but approaching full‑training. Assistant manager Paul Raynor criticised the performances of fringe players and warned that additional midfield cover would be needed. The club also confirmed an exhibition match at the Memorial Stadium on 25 July.

On 27 July, manager Steve Evans announced the squad for the season‑opening Carabao Cup tie against Peterborough United on 8 August at the Memorial Stadium. Brad Young was named first‑choice goalkeeper, and new signings Tommy Leigh, Kofi Balmer and Bobby Kamwa were included. The defence is expected to feature Macauley Southam‑Hales, Riley Harbottle, Ciarán Kelly and Balmer, with further options to be assessed before the transfer‑window closes on 1 September.

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Bristol Rovers and Bristol City unveil line‑ups for season‑opening fixtures

    Bristol Rovers and City have announced line‑ups and new signings ahead of their season‑opening matches – Rovers vs Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup, City vs Newcastle United in a pre‑season friendly.

  2. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Bristol Rovers cope with injuries and mixed pre‑season results

    Bristol Rovers drew 2‑2 with Forest Green, saw striker Ellis Harrison sustain a rib knock, and noted that Jack Sparkes and Mees Rijks are close to returning from injury.

  3. 12 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth Draw 1-1 in Pre‑Season Friendly

    Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth drew 1‑1 in a pre‑season friendly on 18 July 2026 at the Memorial Stadium; Cavegn scored for Rovers, Downey equalised for Portsmouth.

  4. 16 days ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Leicester City defeats Bristol Rovers 2-1 in pre‑season friendly

    Leicester City beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 in a four‑period pre‑season friendly, with goals from Kirsten Otchere and Nathan Opoku; Ellis Harrison scored for Rovers.

Sources

bristolpost.co.uk · celtsarehere.com · chroniclelive.co.uk · javeamigos.com · leicestermercury.co.uk · merdeka.org.my · pousioartecultura.pt · sportskeeda.com · sportsmole.co.uk · westernmorningnews.co.uk