Bristol Rovers verdict: Pleasing signs for Barton, Marquis' key role and a shot at redemption

Bristol Rovers returned to the Mem for the first time since their promotion heroics 10 weeks ago, and they did so in some style on Tuesday night. Joey Barton's Gas were worthy winners against a Stoke City side nearing full strength.

The 2-0 win against Championship opposition was a near-ideal end to Rovers' pre-season campaign, with Aaron Collins' missed penalty and the smattering of players who missed out with knocks and illness the only sources of minor disappointment for Barton.

Aden Flint's own goal and a clinical counter rounded off by substitute Harvey Saunders clinched victory for the Gas, who were in impressive form in their final game before the visit of Forest Green Rovers on July 30.

The manager sees lots of room for improvement and plenty of transfer business left to do, but there were many promising signs for Barton to appreciate on Tuesday.

John Marquis is delivering as advertised in the blue and white quarters so far. Mixed reviews followed his time at Portsmouth, but no one has questioned his work rate and he set the tempo for Rovers' press on Tuesday.

He sent Stoke's England under-21 keeper Joe Bursik an early warning that he could not be lax on the ball by closing down a clearance, and he followed that up in the second half by reacting sharply to a poor touch from Bursik to win a penalty for the Gas. The fact Aaron Collins missed that spot kick is insignificant in the circumstances.

Instead, Barton will be delighted. A hallmark of Rovers' promotion-winning campaign was their ability to execute a high press to steal possession in dangerous areas and then having the flair players to capitalise on an exposed defence.

Marquis, it seems, will only enhance that ability to both force and profit from mistakes