Brandon Hanlan stars as Bristol Rovers progress into the FA Cup Second Round after their victory over Walsall

League One outfit Bristol Rovers edged League Two Walsall at the Banks Stadium on Saturday as Ben Garner’s side advanced to the Second Round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win.

Both of Rovers’ goals were scored in the second half within six minutes of each other before Walsall mounted a late comeback in the second half.

The first of Rovers’ goals was a simple header from Jack Baldwin following a corner, but the second was a moment of excellence from striker Brandon Hanlan who was arguably the visitors’ best player on the day.

The 23-year-old did well to create enough space for himself to get a shot away on the edge of the box and then produce a perfect finish right in the postage stamp of the bottom corner.

It wasn’t just the goal though. Hanlan was involved in most, if not all of the Gas’ attacks, with the striker’s hold-up play particularly impressive.

Signed from Gillingham in September, just before the start of the season, Hanlan has had a decent start to life at the Memorial Stadium with three league goals in eight appearances as well as the goal in the cup against Walsall, starting all matches and playing the full 90 minutes in the majority.

A Charlton Athletic youth product, Hanlan’s attempts to break into the side at the Valley didn’t work out, making just nine appearances for the Addicks without scoring.

Two loan spells at Bromley either side of a loan at Colchester gave the striker precious playing time, scoring nine goals in 41 appearances whilst on loan at the respective clubs.

However, a move to League One Gillingham was exactly what the Chelsea-born player needed and was where he found his feet, netting 13 times in 74 appearances during his two-year spell.

It’s difficult to argue that the move to Bristol Rovers was a step up and not a sideways move though, with the Gills finishing four places above the Gas in League One last season, albeit without finishing the campaign.

Still only 23, the striker has a long career ahead of him and will prove a vital asset for Ben Garner this campaign. Six foot tall and well built, Hanlan will certainly be a handful for defenders this season. With decent hold-up play in his locker too, his Bristol Rovers teammates will certainly benefit as well from his presence in the side.

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