Former Hawks striker Jonah Ayunga relieved to be off the mark in League One at Bristol Rovers as he puts dent in Portsmouth's promotion push

Former Hawks striker Jonah Ayunga savoured his first goals in the Football League and said: I've been waiting so, so long for that moment.
Jonah Ayunga celebrates getting his second goal against Pompey. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesJonah Ayunga celebrates getting his second goal against Pompey. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Jonah Ayunga celebrates getting his second goal against Pompey. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The 23-year-old forward finally opened his Bristol Rovers account in League One, striking twice as his side eased to a 3-1 triumph over promotion hopefuls Pompey.

Many Hawks fans - and even some Blues supporters - will have been surprised to discover Ayunga had only previously scored in the EFL Trophy for Rovers back in September after his summer switch from Westleigh Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Kenyan ace was prolific for Paul Doswell's side last term with 23 goals in all competitions earning him a move to the Memorial Ground in July.

But a hamstring injury sustained in September put his progress back having made the leap into League One.

However, Ayunga gave the Rovers faithful a glimpse of what Hawks fans already knew with his double against Pompey.

And now he's hoping to get more chances after making just his second league start for Rovers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking to the Bristol Rovers club website, Ayunga said: 'I’ve been waiting so, so long for that moment.

‘I came in the summer feeling good, feeling fit and then getting injured and being out for nine weeks. It’s felt like an eternity but I’m just happy to be starting again.

‘It was only my second league start, the other one was against Charlton, so it’s been a long time coming.

‘It’s been hard to play the game I know I can play coming off the bench here and there but I’m just happy to get the start and show what I can do for the first time, really.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I know what I can do it’s just building on performance and getting minutes on the pitch.

‘Obviously, that’s hard to come by now in the place we’re in but hopefully I’ve done enough to keep my place in the team and show what I can do.’

However, the Blues opted against pursuing the striker and he would make them pay.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although Ayunga said he was unaware whether Pompey ever 'looked' at him during his time at Westleigh Park.

He said: ‘I’m not sure to be honest, I don’t know if they were looking (Pompey whilst he was at Hawks).

‘I’m just happy to get the two goals.

‘It’s what I’ve been waiting for (chances to start). I had one in the FA Cup and against Charlton, I was hoping to build on those with a start after, but hopefully that can happen now.'

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.