Bolton’s promotion challenge suffered a surprise setback as a late goal by Bristol Rovers centre-back Connor Taylor secured the Pirates a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Memorial Stadium.
Rovers took a shock lead after six minutes when veteran striker Chris Martin coolly converted a penalty after Alex Murphy dragged down highly-rated 18-year-old Kofi Shaw.
Steven Schumacher’s side, unbeaten in their six previous EFL outings, responded well, and Rovers goalkeeper Jed Ward came to his side’s rescue when he denied former Pirates star Aaron Collins from point-blank range.
Rovers’ resistance was ended when Aaron Morley drove home from 15 yards in the 38th minute after Josh Sheehan’s corner was half-cleared by Clinton Mola.
Rovers began the second half brightly and Luke Southwood denied Ruel Sotiriou and Shaw with fine saves before John McAtee and Sotiriou wasted good chances.
Sotiriou made amends when his pinpoint cross was expertly slotted in by Martin to restore Rovers’ lead after 63 minutes and McAtee followed suit in the 70th minute by heading in Morley’s near-post corner.
Taylor then restored Rovers’ lead after 88 minutes when he rose above the Bolton defence to nod in substitute Isaac Hutchinson’s free-kick at the back post.
