Tisdale has the last laugh as he orchestrates another win for the Gas

Entering Saturday’s clash with Argyle, Rovers were hoping to avoid a fifth consecutive home defeat, a feat that has only occurred once in the club’s 137-year history.

To prevent this rather undesired accolade, Paul Tisdale’s former arch nemesis, Plymouth Argyle, required being held at bay.

After a significant former association with Exeter City, Tisdale could not have wished to be more familiar with the opposition; Exeter and Plymouth, fierce rivals, owing to their status as the two most prominent names on the Devonshire footballing scene.

For those of a Gas persuasion, the outcome was emphatic, Tisdale articulating an emphatic 3-0 victory over the visitors, as Ryan Lowe’s side were convincingly put to the sword.

Rovers were fast out of the blocks, racing into a 2-0 lead. Kilgour powered home an unstoppable header from McCormick’s corner, before assister turned scorer, McCormick directing a lethal volley into the bottom corner.

Whilst Ryan Lowe furiously prowled the touchline, screaming orders at his players as they seemed to continually disobey assignments, Tisdale omitted a modicum of calmness, safe in the knowledge his team were in the driving seat and executing his game plan to perfection.

For all of Argyle’s possession and slickness between the thirds, a mixture of calamity at the back, coupled with severe inefficiency in front of goal, spelt danger from the offset.

To ensure of no late drama, Zain Westbrooke added a third for the home side, capping off what was a perfect day at the office.

Tisdale’s charges were clearly well drilled, maintaining a rigid shape, content in affording the opposition possession, fully confident in their defensive resolve.

Tisdale has inherited the crux of a good side, a promising blend of experience and youthful exuberance.

Brandon Hanlan, a burly figure, worked tirelessly. No goals for the former Gillingham man on this occasion, though, on this evidence, it is clear why the powerful forward regularly finds himself on the score sheet – currently leading the way with seven strikes for Rovers.

His colleague, midfielder, Luke McCormick, oozed class, his wizardry with the ball at his feet and gracious touch was a joy to behold. The Chelsea loanee’s higher level ability was for all to see and he thoroughly deserved his first Rovers goal.

With the ongoing pandemic, games continue to arrive at a frenetic pace, making it even more challenging for a new manager. However, after failing to produce wins in his first three league fixtures, Rovers have now strung together two victories on the bounce.

It is early days but I’m just trying to pick off the low-lying fruit and concentrate on one or two things that can have an immediate effect on performance – Paul Tisdale

Tisdale’s players appear to have bought into his philosophy and the recent upsurge would suggest it is paying dividends.

Former boss Ben Garner was given his marching orders last month. In his first managerial role, he oversaw a mere six wins in 33 contests during a difficult 11-month spell.

Boasting a wealth of managerial experience at EFL level, gaining multiple promotions during stints at Exeter City and MK Dons, along with a multitude of playoff berths, could Tisdale be the man to take Rovers forward?

It is early days admittedly, but, back in the West County where he enjoyed so much success with the Grecians, there are certainly signs of encouragement for the blue half of Bristol.