Bristol Rovers boss only focusing on Stevenage game ahead of home double-header (2025)

Bristol Rovers go into a double-header at the Mem against Stevenage and Reading as they look to significantly boost their survival hopes after drawing at Wrexham

Inigo Calderon will be ensuring his Bristol Rovers players recharge as efficiently as possible over the next two days in preparation for a crucial home game against Stevenage on Monday following a significant effort in their 1-1 draw at Wrexham on Good Friday.

Taylor Moore headed Rovers ahead in the first half before Matty James controversially broke the Gas' resistance midway through the second as the Pirates ended a run of six consecutive defeats with an important away result.

Although Wrexham weren't at their best, Rovers still had to absorb plenty of pressure and will have expended plenty of energy in a battling display in North Wales.

On the short period between games, Calderon confessed: "At this stage of the season, it's going to be like that. You can expect the players are going to be tired and there's going to be mistakes because of the tiredness and the pressure. I was saying you have to go down now and try to sleep well because we have two days that you cannot really prepare too many things.

"But listen, it's not excuses, and that's why I say that change [in] the momentum, the mental state, I think is going to be massive."

The Spaniard has frequently affirmed that he operates on a one-game basis with full focus now turning to Stevenage at the Mem.

It is the first of back-to-back home matches next week with Reading the visitors five days later from which Rovers, realistically, will need to target maximum points from in order to give themselves a strong chance of survival.

Despite stopping the rot on Friday, the Gas are still in the relegation zone on goal difference after 20th place Burton Albion played out a goalless draw away at Exeter City. The Brewers also boast a game in hand and now have three consecutive home matches, starting with champions Birmingham City on Monday.

If Rovers better Burton's result against Blues when they host a Stevenage team with seemingly very little to play for, they will climb out of the relegation zone. Realistically though, only a win will do for the Gas.

"I don't want even to talk about the two games for me," Calderon declared. "The next one, always. The next one is most important. I say that about the last four. The next one is more important, even Wrexham away.

"Now, the next one on Monday against Stevenage is the most important one of the season."