Chris Martin stated Bristol Rovers’ 1-1 draw with Wrexham is ‘something to build on’ after the Gas ended their three-game losing streak in Sky Bet League One.
Rovers had gone behind in the first half after Elliot Lee got on the end of Matty James’ pass before slotting his low effort past Josh Griffiths. However, the Pirates remained in the game and levelled in the final stages, with Promise Omochere getting onto Luke Thomas’ cross to score with his head from close range.
The point meant that the Gas ended their year at The Memorial Stadium positively, with Rovers now facing trips to Exter City and Stevenage to conclude 2024.
The Gas are three points clear of the relegation zone, and Martin insisted that his side can progress from this point after showing plenty of character.
“It’s something to build on,” said the striker. "It wasn’t perfect, but I think we showed our battling spirit. There was a bit of fight out there. It was a little bit feisty at times, which we needed to show, but I think, the old cliche, we stuck together pretty well, kept going until the end, and I think we deserved something out of the game, to be honest.
“We understand as a group, we haven’t been good enough, and we haven’t been playing well enough. Performances haven’t been at the level we expect or want, so we know that it’s over to us, and we need to take that accountability.
“I thought to a man today, we stood up and were counted, and we gave absolutely everything for the shirt. Hopefully, people appreciated that, and that’s something to build on. I think there’s a lot more to come.”
After taking the lead, the Red Dragons controlled the first half, but Rovers gained a foothold in the match after the break, with David Horseman effectively using his substitutes to attack the game.
Joel Senior and Omochere were brought on at half-time, with Isaac Hutchinson and Shaq Forde added later. The quartet entered the field after Thomas, who replaced the injured Michael Forbes after 22 minutes.
Martin said the conditions helped their performance after the break, stating that his team put Wrexham under more pressure.
“We were out against the wind, so the ball was able to hold up a little bit more,” he said. “I think it favoured the team that was actually against the wind rather than with the wind this time.
“There was a bit more intent. I thought we got up and around the second balls well. I thought we were able to hold the ball up a little bit more in their half and test them a little bit more, test the defence, get the balls in the box and in the end, we got our reward.”
Omochere made the difference less than five minutes before the end, getting away from his marker to plant his downward header past goalkeeper Mark Howard. The forward has now scored three goals in the third tier this season, all coming at home, with Martin impressed with his strike partner.
“I know he’s a threat in all sorts of ways,” said Martin. “He’s got a lot of attributes, he’s got the pace to run in behind, he’s got the size and the frame where he can hold it up, he can roll players, and he’s shown he’s got that scoring touch as well this season. Hopefully, there’s a lot more to come from him.”
Martin is 35 years old and is one of the most experienced strikers in League One. He has played just under 600 league matches in his career, scoring 146 goals in that time. The forward suggested that he has looked to help Omochere, with the Irish forward coming to him for advice at times.
“I’ve tried to pass on a little bit of the wisdom,” said Martin. “He has come to me a few times and just actually asked my opinion on things, which is flattering.
“I don’t think I know everything, but having played close to 700 games now, I think I’ve got a little bit of experience to hopefully pass onto him. So, anything that he needs or if he comes to me again, then hopefully I can help him out.
“But he’s his own man. I think he just needs to be himself and express himself on the pitch. The better we play as a team and as a unit, I think he will be able to do that.”
