Although you’re left clenching your teeth and with fingernails at a minimum, sometimes the gritty, hard-fought 1-0 victories away from home are the most satisfying and that was certainly the feeling for those associated with Bristol Rovers once the full-time whistle blew at the One Call Stadium.
It was by no means pretty with the conditions, for want of a better word, grim. However, one moment of quality proved the difference as the Gas secured a battling 1-0 win away at Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.
Recent performances of late have been pleasing in stages but not complete (more to come on this later) with it Rovers unable to get themselves over the line in recent games, either holding onto a lead or finding a decisive goal. Again, it wasn’t perfect, but the full-time ecstacy Gasheads would have felt was worth the long trip and the ugly game of football they endured.
This season has been waiting for a moment to really spark it into life. Sure, this is victory number six out of 16 in League One, but whether it’s been calls for the manager to depart, doubts around the ownership or sceptisism towards summer arrivals, it’s never felt calm amongst Rovers supporters, especially in recent weeks which is a ludicrous statement considering some of the performances.
Make no bones about it, that could be exactly what this campaign needed to kick itself into gear.
As they say, it’s important not to get too high after victory and, at the same time, too low after defeat, but there was plenty to like about the Gas’ win and display on Saturday.
The million dollar question is, will it be reflected on as a turning point come May? For now though, here are some of the stand out talking points…
The result performances of late have warranted
As promised above, let’s dive into the fact that Rovers have probably deserved more points for their efforts in recent games. Matt Taylor felt the performance in the 1-1 draw at home to Lincoln City a fortnight ago was up there with the most competitive from his team this season, especially considering the opposition. However, it would have naturally felt like a better point had it been followed up with three more the week after against Crawley Town.
The Gas should’ve been out of sight at half-time in that one with three or four golden opportunities squandered. Although the extent of which the Gas lost their control after the break in that one, they should have been in a comfortable enough position for it not to fall under the microscope.
We’ve also said plenty about the Reading game previously too and, without trying to sound like a broken record, the performance didn’t warrant a defeat. However, we can’t just keep saying that displays have deserved more points. Ultimately, had Rovers not beaten Mansfield, they would have gone four league games without a win and six across all competitions if you include the fact that they needed extra-time to beat Weston-super-Mare in the FA Cup.
The explosion of satisfaction that came once victory over Mansfield was confirmed didn’t just come from the built up nerves that compounded as the second half went on but also the fact that, realistically, Taylor’s team have been due a win like that for weeks now.
Rovers still need more to ensure ‘feel good factor’
Although we’re delighted with the victory and want to highlight as many positives as possible, it is also our duty to be balanced and the major criticism of Saturday is, of course, the failure to make it more comfortable.
As Taylor said post-match, it would have been a travesty if that last minute goal stood with a clear handball in the build up. However, in an ideal world Rovers wouldn’t have been in that position in the first place where losing their clean sheet would also mean losing two points.
“I’d love a second goal because we’ve had it in the past few weeks,” the Rovers manager declared. “I’ve spoken about the better structure of the team in the last five or six games, where that second goal would have made it a win. So great we scored the goal and fantastic we feel good about ourselves and get the ball back and do it again.
“Make it two, make it three. Do a little bit more of a feel good factor in terms of win, but 1-0 away from home is a perfect scoreline, but in terms of my heart and brain, and I suppose the same for everyone else associated with Bristol Rovers, I’d love a second goal to go in.”
Striker options still mixed
Although that was probably the best Chris Martin has been since his return from injury, linking up better and getting more of a sniff of at least a sight at goal, there are doubts over whether he’ll be able to follow it up again on Tuesday night.
The striker seemed to feel a twinge late on and ended up having to sit down before immediately coming off. It was a surprise to see him last as long as he did but, even if he hasn’t come away with an injury, it would be seriously impressive if he can start again on Tuesday night.
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One thing that is a certainty though is that Rovers could well be without Promise Omochere for another couple of weeks with the Irishman now breaking his hand on top of the ankle issue that he’s still not fully recovered from.
Gatlin O’Donkor’s return is welcome and the 20-year-old almost looks set to start on Tuesday night already but there is a possibility that he’s the Gas’ only available striker to face Blackpool which will be a concern.
Win comes hand in hand with positive result on Tuesday night
Without stating the obvious, it is now integral that this victory is backed up with another on Tuesday night when Rovers host Blackpool at the Mem.
There’s a feeling that the Gas didn’t take advantage of what was a good opportunity to build some momentum with four consecutive home games and this is certainly a chance to build on Saturday.
There’s no denying that December’s fixtures are particularly tough with the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Wrexham, amongst others, all to come and Rovers really won’t want to go into their festive run of fixtures with their tails between their legs.
Another result on Tuesday and suddenly Taylor’s men will be unbeaten in five with at least two clean sheets. The opportunity is there but has to be taken, otherwise this win won’t feel as significant.