Riley Harbottle inspires Bristol Rovers to victory over Accrington

Defender Riley Harbottle was key as Bristol Rovers continued their resurgence under Steve Evans by beating Accrington 2-0 at the Memorial Stadium.

Kofi Balmer’s long throw after five minutes was met by Harbottle, who powered a header into the top corner to open the scoring as Rovers earned a fifth win in their last six Sky Bet League Two matches.

After Stanley striker Paddy Madden had spurned a good chance to equalise seconds later, tamely prodding towards Brad Young with just the Rovers goalkeeper to beat, Harbottle was again in the right place at the right time in the 33rd minute.

Madden met a cross from Connor O’Brien and sent a header towards the top corner, only for Harbottle to nod it off the line.

Three minutes after the break Rovers thought they had a second goal when Harbottle headed in Tommy Leigh’s free-kick, only for a late offside flag to deny the 25-year-old.

Jack Sparkes did double the lead after 53 minutes when he curled a low free-kick around the wall and into the net from the edge of the area after Devon Matthews had fouled Fabrizio Cavegn.