Oxford Utd V Bristol Rovers at The Kassam Stadium : Match Preview

08 February 2013 14:01
Oxford Utd V Bristol Rovers - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Montrose back for Rovers test

Lewis Montrose could return to action for Oxford this weekend as they host a resurgent Bristol Rovers side.

The 24-year-old Gillingham loanee has not featured since the 2-1 victory at Bradford back in January due to a hamstring injury but he could be involved against the Pirates.

Andy Whing continues to progress from his ankle injury and he played 45 minutes in a Oxfordshire Senior Cup tie in midweek but this match is expected to come too soon for the versatile defender.

Max Crocombe, Harry Worley, Simon Heslop, and Josh Parker all got valuable game time under their belt in the 1-0 win as they look to force their way back into the side.

Oxford have not won a home game since New Year's Day and are without a victory in three.

Bristol Rovers have no fresh injury worries as they look to extend their unbeaten run to five games at the Kassam.

Oliver Norburn's stunning strike deep into added time earned the Pirates a point in Tuesday night's clash at Cheltenham and they are now three points clear of the npower League Two relegation zone.

"We have a sign in the dressing room saying `winners don't give in' and we are trying to be winners - we haven't been in the past but we are trying to be now and we certainly don't give in," manager John Ward said.

Ward could name the same side again with the likes of David Clarkson and Fabian Broghammer pushing for places in the starting line-up.

Midfielder Jim Paterson is still sidelined with a hamstring complaint.

Source: PA