Rovers are back in League One action at The Bolt New Lawn this weekend as we welcome Portsmouth to GL6.

Head Coach Ian Burchnall will be looking for his side to carry momentum from Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Exeter City in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Here we focus on Saturday’s opponents Pompey who we face for the first time in our history.

IN THE DUGOUT: DANNY COWLEY

The man in the away dugout this weekend will be Danny Cowley, who became the Portsmouth boss in March of last year replacing Kenny Jackett.

Cowley was a midfielder for a number of non-league clubs in his playing career including the likes of Boreham Wood and Concord Rangers, where he took the assistant manager job in 2007.

He would go on to take the main job and remain with the Essex based side for seven years, winning three promotions taking them to the sixth tier of English football.

Cowley had an impressive season with Braintree Town before he went to Lincoln City, where he really made a name for himself.

In his three years with the Imps, he led the club to two promotions from non-league to League One as well as taking the club to the quarter finals of the FA Cup where they faced Arsenal.

Cowley would move up to the Championship with Huddersfield Town in 2019, but his stay was short lived, as he lasted just under a year with the Terriers.

The 43 year old has enjoyed his time with Pompey so far, most notably the boss won the Manager of the Month award for August at the start of the season.

ONE TO WATCH: COLBY BISHOP

Pompey number nine Colby Bishop signed for the club back in July after joining from fellow League One side Accrington Stanley.

The 25 year old came through the academy ranks at hometown club Notts County making his professional debut in 2014.

Bishop moved on to have short spells with Gloucester City, Worcester City and Boston United before a prolific two seasons with Leamington.

His form caught the eyes of the Football League and Accrington would come calling, securing his signature in July 2019.

The centre forward scored 38 times in 123 appearances for John Coleman's side helping them to consecutive top half finishes in League One.

Bishop left Stanley this summer and has had an impressive start to the season with Pompey, netting seven league goals in 12 games so far.

FORM - LDLDW

13/09/22 - Burton Albion 0-2 Portsmouth 

17/09/22 - Portsmouth 2-2 Plymouth Argyle 

01/10/22 - Ipswich Town 3-2 Portsmouth 

08/10/22 - Portsmouth 1-1 Fleetwood Town

17/10/22 - Charlton Athletic 3-0 Portsmouth 

LAST TIME OUT

Portsmouth fell to a 3-0 defeat at the Valley against Charlton Athletic in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Monday night.

The hosts went ahead on 17 minutes when Scott Fraser’s pin point cross found defender Ryan Inniss who powered his header home.

It was two just after the half hour mark when Charlie Kirk set Corey Blackett-Taylor in on goal who sped into the box before slotting past Josh Griffiths.

Into the second half and things got worse for Pompey when Marlon Pack was awarded a second yellow card and given his marching orders.

And from the resulting free kick it was three as Fraser was the provider again, this time for Eoghan O’Connell who was in acres of space to head home.

Danny Cowley’s side remained in the play-offs despite the defeat whilst Charlton rose to tenth, just two points outside the top six.