Bristol Rovers Vs Dartford

Bristol Rovers 1 - 0 Dartford   (09.10.2014)

An ugly incident unravelled towards the end of this tawdry encounter when visiting 'keeper Jason Brown, gesturing towards the North Terrace mob, complained of racist abuse. Brown spent at least two minutes vociferously protesting to the referee, his teammates, and stewards about a particular section or individual of the near crowd that he believed was the guilty party. BRFC officials say they are currently investigating the incident

Jason Brown accepting his country's call.

but nobody has yet been identified and prosecuted.

Up to that point, the chants from the crowd had been relatively good-natured, with the targeted individual even joining in with the chorus of 'Aahs!' after a goal kick. Much merriment was made of his pink shirt, although, even at these early jovial stages, I could sense a tipping point was imminent.

If ever there was a time for an old pro to think "what is the point?", it surely came for Brown on Tuesday night. With three senior Welsh international caps and a five year stint at Blackburn Rovers to his name, the 32 year-old must have wondered which sins he had committed to be suffering the abuse of idiotic bigots on a cold October night. Two years ago he was playing against Mexico in the soccer hubbub of New Jersey. Now he represents Dartford in a league where they would be ecstatic just to avoid relegation. Every so often, sport throws up a sad story of disappointment and unfulfilled glory: a real life Bull Durham, if you will. Jason Brown will stick in my mind as one of those melancholic footnotes as shouts rang around the Memorial Stadium of "Who the f***'s the black man in the pink?"

Juvenile school yard humour seemingly held a renaissance amongst the Gas' terraces, especially in relation to the unfortunately named Tom Bender, who felt the mockery of a small section of home fans. The incessant yapping of men old enough to know better stirred my own ire against a support base which behaved impeccably the previous Saturday. I wonder, do these immature twits shout at their television set every time Lars Bender controls the ball in the Champions League or German internationals? Of course, it is difficult to effectively ridicule a phenomenally successful professional sportsman, like the man who was initially selected for Germany's World Cup winning squad. A scrawny left back with foppish hair, plying his trade in the non-league, is a much easier target to pick on. As another famous Bender would say to these guys, they can "bite my shiny metal ass".

Over on the pitch, Rovers struggled through an uncomfortable ninety minutes where a scrappy Matty Taylor penalty was enough to shade their dogged Kentish opponents (the Pirates' second from that county in four days). With 37 minutes on the clock, Brown got two palms onto the under-fire striker's placed spot kick, but could only push it into the side netting.

Throughout the game both teams played some atrocious football which lacked any quality or efficiency. Miraculously, however, this win sends the Blues up to 4th place in the table, having been unbeaten in eight games. After such an impressive run, why does the team play like they have the world on their shoulders?

Stewie Sinclair, or perhaps 'Chewie' would be more appropriate with so much facial hair, is an exciting presence in midfield. Aside from his full-throttle approach, Bristol simply do not have the commitment to play triumphant football. I supect the next away game at Aldershot will test their mettle and cause them to buckle. By 5pm on Saturday we will know for certain.