David Horseman dedicated Bristol Rovers’ Emirates FA Cup second-round win to Matt Taylor after the Gas beat Barnsley on penalties.
The Pirates created chances in the opening exchanges of the contest, with Gatlin O’Donkor slamming the post, but had to show their defensive strength to get through 120 minutes of action before heroics from Josh Griffiths put them through to the next round.
The West Bromwich Albion loanee pushed away Josh Earl’s strike after four perfect spot-kicks from Rovers, who could now face Championship or Premier League opposition.
Horseman was delighted with the performance and stated he hoped the players did Taylor proud, with the manager taking a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency.
It would have been nice to have been 3-0 up and comfortable...
“It would have been nice to have been 3-0 up and comfortable,” he laughed. “That would have been lovely. But to do it on penalties, we had to hang in there for a long time in the game and defend our goal really well.
“To win on penalties is brilliant for the supporters who have travelled such a long way. They were amazing in voice tonight, and we all go home happy.
“If you play the same game again, you lose on penalties, and it’s absolutely devastating. I’m delighted for them; I’m delighted for the players, and we’re really looking forward to the draw on Monday.”
I’m so proud...
“I’m so proud because I know quite a few Gasheads, and I had quite a lot of messages today,” he said. “All they want to see from players is 100 per cent pride, to play for the badge and to put your body on the line.
“Our goalkeeper had to play really well, and our defenders had to defend the box unbelievably well. People like Shaq Forde have had to really dig in and show another side to their game.
“They did everything character-wise that I think a Bristol Rovers player or fan would expect to see of a Bristol Rovers player, and hopefully, they did the gaffer and his family proud today.”
It was one of many brilliant performances this year from Josh Griffiths...
“It was one of many brilliant performances this year from Josh Griffiths,” said Horseman. “He’s been absolutely magnificent, along with a couple of others. Today, let’s be honest, he kept us in the game.
“It’s brilliant for him, and I think he’s the best kid and he’s desperate to learn. He’s really resilient and really athletic. He looks the part, and he’s going to end up having a brilliant career, and this experience will probably help him on his journey.
“Today, he was the man of the match by an absolute country mile, and we love having him around. I’m sure he’s really enjoying it, and we’re really grateful for him today because, without him, we don’t get to the next round.”
Joel Senior was brilliant...
“Joel Senior was brilliant in the first half, considering he hadn’t kicked a ball for the best part of four months, he’s defended well, and he looked athletic," he said.
“He came inside a couple of times and was composed with the ball. It was a really tough game against an excellent opponent. Let’s not mess around, we’re playing one of the better teams in League One here at their stadium.”
Everyone really deserved that...
“I’m guessing we’re all going to sit in a room at the hotel because that would be good fun,” he said. “I’ve never actually done that. There were a few mentions of Manchester United away, but let’s wait and see.
“The boys and the fans and everyone really deserved that. Like I said before, I think we dedicate that performance to the gaffer and his family because there are things more important than football.”
