Matt Taylor has challenged his Bristol Rovers team to capitalise when they are in control in Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Reading.
The Gas head into the midweek match at The Memorial Stadium on the back of a home defeat at Bolton Wanderers, a loss that Rovers were unfortunate to endure after enjoying the better play for long portions of the game.
While manager Taylor could take pride in his team’s efforts at Bolton, it remains essential that those performances translate into goals in the net and points on the board.
The boss knows the Royals will be another stern test for his team but, if Rovers play like they did against Bolton on Tuesday evening, he has no doubt the side will come away with a good result.
“The Bolton result felt harsh and things haven’t quite been going for us,” Taylor said. “But we have to score and we have to concede less, and make the most of the moments when we’re on top in a game.
“I’m sure we’ll get more of those moments against Reading, who are another good team, but if we play like we did against Bolton then I think we’ll be more than fine. We believe the goals and the results will come but it’s just been a tough time.
“They’ve got a strong squad. They’re not too dissimilar to Bolton but maybe they’ve struggled a little bit with inconsistency. We need to try and capitalise on that factor and just be a bit more solid for longer periods.”
Harvey Vale missed out on Saturday’s squad due to illness, while captain Sam Finley was also absent due to a minor injury, and Taylor suggested the former may be in contention to come back into the team.
He added: “Harvey will have a chance to be involved on Tuesday evening. We’ll look at Harvey in terms of his illness, what’s gone into his week, and his loading. He’s an option to come back into it.
“It’s possible Jack Hunt could be back too. He’ll be in contention if he comes through training on Monday.”