Jed Ward was ‘happy’ with Bristol Rovers’ performance in their 1-1 draw against Wrexham in Sky Bet League One.
The Gas had lost six successive games in League One before their trip to Wales. However, Rovers remained strong after a good start from the hosts before Taylor Moore headed in his first goal for the Pirates to give the visitors the lead. The Red Dragons pushed for a leveller after the break and found one through Matty James’ effort into the bottom corner but could not find a second, thanks to a resolute defensive performance from Iñigo Calderón’s men.
The Pirates’ draw against the promotion hopefuls was not enough to see them move above Burton Albion and out of the relegation zone. Nevertheless, it will give the team plenty of confidence after a difficult period.
Ward admitted it has been a ‘tough’ time for everyone but insisted the team is doing everything possible to avoid the drop.
“I’m happy with the performance,” said the goalkeeper. “Up until 75 minutes, I think we showed today how much we wanted to fight for this club, and how much we want to keep this football club in the league, and how much every single lad on that pitch wants to do everything they can for the badge.
“It was a bad goal to concede, especially with how we felt we were in the game. I thought we were doing well until the 75th minute, but then to finish with a draw is good, especially after the last six games. It’s been quite a tough time for everyone, mentally, physically and socially, and I think these last four games are massive. If we can grind out results and get points, like away from home today, I think we’ll do alright.”
He later added: “It’s tough, and everyone knows it’s tough when you’re not in a great run of momentum and it’s tough to get out of. But we had a good meeting after the game against Exeter, and we’ve had a good training week and literally, everyone has just knuckled down and just got on with it and turned our minds to today and getting the result.”
Rovers stopped Wrexham from creating many clear opportunities, with most of the Red Dragons’ attempts coming from outside the box before Moore’s header put the Gas ahead. Ward was pleased with the effort from the defence but confessed it is something his side has not done enough of away from home this term.
“I think that’s what you’ve got to do, and I think that’s not what we’ve done enough of this season,” he said. “I think we haven’t come to places like this and reduced chances early on to help us build into the game, and I think today is a good example of what we’re going to have to do for the next three games.”
Ward was one of the top performances against Wrexham and made several saves to keep the contest goalless before another top stop after the break to flick over Steven Fletcher’s header. The Rovers academy graduate is doing ‘everything’ he can to help the Gas avoid relegation.
“I’m just doing what I can,” he stated. “What I’ve said all along is that I’m going to do everything I can for this club and this badge, and every time I’m on that pitch I’m going to give it my absolute everything. Sometimes, that everything isn’t enough, but sometimes it can be getting a point and making a few saves.”
There was sensational support from the away end at the STōK Cae Ras, with over 1,200 Gasheads heading to Wales to watch their team gain what could prove to be a valuable point. Ward was impressed by the travelling supporters and knows they will play an important role in helping Rovers get over the line.
“I remember before in the changing room getting ready, I could hear them from the changing room,” he reflected. “Honestly, it’s amazing. The support they bring, and I hope they're happy with a point today. I know a few of my mates were in there, and they are going to celebrate, but the job isn’t done and having the fans come out in their numbers they did is only going to help us push us over the line.”
The Gas have only got until Monday until their next fixture, with the Pirates welcoming Stevenage for the first of back-to-back fixtures at The Memorial Stadium. After ending a torrid run of form, Ward wants his side to use the momentum they gained against Wrexham in their favour against Stevenage.
“Momentum was against us for the past six games, and now we’ve got to turn that momentum into being with us, as well as the fans, as well as being at it every day, using every source we can to push us over the line,” said the goalkeeper. “I think this season, we’ve been good at The Mem.
“I think there’s been some great performances and great results, especially in times of difficulty, and I think Monday is a big game for us. The momentum from today, take that into Monday against Stevenage and hopefully get another three points.”
