Connor Taylor was delighted to progress into the second round of the FA Cup after Bristol Rovers’ 3-1 victory over Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.
The centre-back put the Gas into the lead with a powerful header in the first half of extra time, with Grant Ward adding a third for the hosts with a fantastic curling finish from range with moments left to play.
The additional drama came after the game finished level, with Jordan Bastin’s low strike cancelling out Jamie Lindsay’s earlier opener.
Taylor described how the game was tougher than the Pirates would have liked but stated the importance of getting through against lower-league opposition.
"The objective before the game was to be in the hat, so we’ve done that," he said. "It was probably harder than what we wanted it. But they’re never as easy as you think, these ties.
“You saw with Huddersfield Town going out that it’s never as easy as just turning up and they roll over. It’s a cup final for them, but we’ve got to be better, and we understand that.
“But at the end of the day, we’ve won 3-1, and we’re into the hat for the next round.”
Weston were behind heading into half-time, but the National League South leaders displayed why they were unbeaten in 16 outings in all competitions, coming out quickly and creating plenty of chances before striking an equaliser through Bastin.
Momentum was with the visitors. However, Matt Taylor’s men re-established control. They had opportunities to win the contest in normal time through Isaac Hutchinson and Bryant Bilongo before netting twice in extra time.
Taylor stated that it was vital his side did not let the tie slip away after the Seagulls’ goal.
“It was important that we didn’t go under at that point because we get the bit of anxiety in the crowd. We fully understand that,” said the defender. “It was important that we stood up to it and came through the other side.”
Taylor came up with the crucial moment for the Gas to release some pressure at The Memorial Stadium, latching onto Luke McCormick’s cross from the left to direct his header into the top corner.
The former Stoke City man was pleased to contribute with a goal, getting his second in as many games in all competitions after a close-range finish against Exeter City, but quickly stated how he wants to do it more often.
“I’m happy to chip in with the goals, I need to do more,” said Taylor. “They had two physical boys up front that we probably don’t come up against too often in League One, but I thought we got to grips with it in the end and thought we did well.
“I’ve been on a bit of a draught because my last goal before was the Scunthorpe game. It's been a long while, and it’s something I need to add to my game. With my size, every manager will expect me to chip in with four or five.
“It was perfect cross, and as soon as he did it, I knew I’d score before I even headed it. You’re just waiting for that delivery where your eyes light up."
The Gas reached the third round of the Emirates FA Cup last season, beating Whitby Town and Crewe Alexandra before losing to Norwich City in a replay after a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.
If they had beaten the Canaries, Rovers would have faced Liverpool at Anfield, with Taylor looking to have another good run in the competition this campaign.
“An FA Cup run provides a distraction from the league,” he said. “If you can get through the first couple of rounds, you put yourself in the hat for a big tie, which we were so close to last year.
“That’s what we’ll be looking to do again. The FA Cup is brilliant. Everyone wants to do well in it, so hopefully, we can take that result into the league fixtures and go on a bit of a run.”
