Fabrizio CavegnImage source, Shutterstock
Image caption,

Fabrizio Cavegn has scored 12 goals since joining Bristol Rovers from Vaduz

Bristol Rovers ended a 13-game winless run in emphatic fashion as Fabrizio Cavegn bagged a hat-trick to secure a crucial victory over Shrewsbury at the Croud Meadow.

The striker's treble earned Rovers a vital three points and condemned Shrewsbury to a fourth consecutive defeat.

Shrewsbury started brightly and went close in the seventh minute when Isaac England fired just over from the edge of the box.

John Marquis then missed a gilt-edged chance 14 minutes later, breaking clear but striking the outside of a post with only goalkeeper Luke Southwood to beat.

Rovers were largely restricted to half-chances before the interval, with efforts from Kamil Conteh and Shaq Forde blocked as the sides went in level at half-time.

The hosts began on the front foot after the restart, Marquis denied by Southwood when through on goal, while at the other end, Will Brook produced a smart save to keep out Forde.

But it was Cavegn who broke the deadlock after 63 minutes when he capitalised on a terrible defensive error.

He made the game safe in the 88th minute before completing his hat-trick in added time, sealing Rovers' first League Two win since September as frustration boiled over among the home supporters.

Report supplied by PA Media.

Media caption,

Appleton believes he can turn things around at Shrewsbury

Media caption,

Evans: "It's a great win"

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