Isaac Hutchinson stated his Bristol Rovers team will look to bounce back in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup after losing to Blackpool on Tuesday.
The Pirates’ four-game unbeaten run in all competitions ended after goals from Dom Ballard and Lee Evans either side of half-time, losing at The Memorial Stadium for the first time since September.
The Gas travel to Barnsley after beating Weston-super-Mare in the first round, overcoming the National League South side after goals from Jamie Lindsay, Connor Taylor and Grant Ward.
Hutchinson insisted that he is looking forward to the game against the Tykes and believes there is not much between the two teams.
“It’s been said so many times that the beauty of football is that there is always another game to look forward to and always another opportunity to put it right,” he said. “So, that’s what we’re looking to do.
“We know that Barnsley are a good team. Obviously, we have played against them already, and we know they are doing well this season, but I think there is so little between teams in League One.
“It’s a different competition, but I think it’s an even playing field, and it’s anybody's game. It’s probably a bit different to the last tie, as maybe the pressure is off us a bit. It might just allow us to be a bit freer and have a free hit.”
Rovers have already made the trip to Oakwell this season, losing 2-1 to Darrell Clarke’s men in Sky Bet League One. Ruel Sotiriou netted his first goal for the Gas to cancel out Keillor Dunn's finish, but Adam Phillips restored their lead with a strong second-half header.
Hutchinson suggested that they can take some things from their meeting in September and wants his side to use the possibility of a big third-round tie as motivation.
“You can always take some certain things,” said the midfielder. “We know they are a good team, and we have a good idea of how they like to play. Of course, every game is different, so we’ll be looking to focus on us, put our stamp on the game and hopefully not have to worry about them too much.
“The third round is always a motivation for this round. It’s always too easy to look too far ahead, and I think we’ve probably got to focus on doing the job first. Then, being excited about potentially an amazing day for the Club.”
Hutchinson was the first of 16 summer signings for Rovers after moving from Walsall. He started the opening three games of the campaign but then only started one of the following ten in the third tier.
However, after moving over to the left side of the attack, he has come in from the start in the last four successive matches and is beginning to become an integral part of the side.
He stated that he is yet to hit his best form in a Rovers shirt but believes he is improving with every fixture.
“I wouldn’t say the best side of my game,” said Hutchinson. “I feel like I’ve got a lot more to come, but I certainly feel like I’m getting better and better with every game I’m playing and more confident.
“I feel like the boys and the staff are starting to trust me more, which obviously can take time when you join a new club, but I think we’re starting to see that now, and it’s helping me massively.”
