Connor Taylor insisted Bristol Rovers must be at their ‘very best’ to get a positive result against Barnsley in Sky Bet League One.
The Gas are back in action after playing in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup last weekend, where Iñigo Calderón’s men lost 3-0 to Premier League outfit Ipswich Town after first-half goals from Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor.
Rovers will welcome a Barnsley side in brilliant form, with the Tykes winning their previous four matches in League One to sit comfortably inside the playoffs.
After a busy Christmas period worth of fixtures in Calderón’s first few weeks in charge, a fortnight with no midweek matches has given the Spaniard more time on the training pitch with his new side. Taylor reflected on the last week and believes more time at The Quarters has given the head coach a chance to put across his ideas.
“It’s been good,” said the defender. “It’s been tough. The manager wants us to be fitter so it’s naturally going to be tough, with lots of tactical detail as well. It was good to spend some time on the grass, and hopefully, we can implement that on Saturday.
“It's hard for a manager coming in over Christmas. It’s the busiest time of the year. Time on the grass allows him to put across his ideas, and hopefully, we can start implementing them. It’s going to take time, but hopefully, we can make those baby steps and bring success.”
Despite a disappointing defeat to the Tractor Boys on Sunday, Rovers will go into the clash with the Tykes looking for a second consecutive victory in the third tier after beating Cambridge United 1-0 in their last outing.
Taylor stated that Rovers can take confidence from their triumph over Garry Monk’s men but confessed that Barnsley will provide a different challenge.
“Of course, we can take confidence, and back-to-back victories is going to be the aim,” he said. “Cambridge was more of a scrappy game, winning your first contacts and defending the box, which I thought we did well.
“Barnsley will pose a different threat. They are doing well in the league, and they are good away from home, so we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a tough game. We’re going to have to be at our very best to get a result.
“Barnsley have been consistently good for the last two or three years and just missed out on promotion. So, it’s going to be a hard game, but one we’ll be ready for.”
Rovers have already faced Barnsley twice at Oakwell this term, losing 2-1 in Sky Bet League One before beating the Tykes on penalties in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Reflecting on the two previous fixtures, Taylor believes that his side could take plenty out of their meetings with Barnsley and said that they must show defensive resolve to give themselves a chance.
“I think especially the one in the league, I think we could have got something, but they’ll make it difficult for you,” said Taylor. “They are direct, similar to Cambridge. You’re going to have to win your first contacts and second balls. That’s the first thing. Hopefully, we can use the ball a bit better and create more chances.
“Especially when you’re in the position in the league we are, we’re going to have to probably win games 1-0 more often. That’s what we’ve got to do. Keep the backdoors shut, and hopefully, it gives the lads a platform to go and stick it in the net. Hopefully, we can see games out. We’ve probably conceded too many goals, and we’ve probably not scored enough, but it gives you a platform. If you know you’re not going to concede it gives you a chance.”
