Josh Griffiths stated that Bristol Rovers’ quality prevailed in their 3-1 victory over Weston-super-Mare in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Gas took the lead through Jamie Lindsay’s fine first-time finish just before half-time but were forced into extra time after Jordan Bastin’s equaliser for the Seagulls just past the hour mark.
However, Rovers netted twice to progress through to the next stage of the competition, with Connor Taylor powering a close-range header into the net before Grant Ward curled a fantastic third into the top left corner.
Weston were unbeaten in their previous 16 games before visiting The Memorial Stadium, with Griffiths stating the Seagulls proved to be a difficult challenge to overcome.
“It was a tough game,” he said. “Credit to Weston because they came here and made it really difficult. These games are always hard. No disrespect to them, but teams you’re expected to beat at home can make it really tough, and they did.
“But with extra time, our quality showed eventually. It was nice to go on and win comfortably in the end, but it took a little while.
“I thought they had some good moments in the second half. Credit to the lads, I thought they defended two physical strikers really, really well. It’s not easy to play against them.”
The Pirates had the best chances after Weston scored, with Bryant Bilongo and Isaac Hutchinson squandering big chances before Griffiths made an important save to keep the score level.
Griffiths was happy his stop helped the team triumph, insisting it is always nice to get praise for his contributions.
“I was pleased, and to go on and win the game makes it more important,” said the goalkeeper. “Of course, that’s my job, but it’s always nice to get a bit of credit.”
Matt Taylor utilised his bench against the Seagulls, with Bryant Bilongo causing a constant threat, Ward scoring and Luke McCormick and Luke Thomas assisting.
Griffiths stated that there is good depth in the squad and it has proved to be important this season.
“I think that shows the strength and depth we’ve got in the squad,” he said. “In a lot of games this season, the subs have come on, have been really important and won us points.
“I’m buzzing for Ward; it was a great finish at the end.”
Rovers’ FA Cup second-round fate will be determined on Sunday 3 November, with the draw happening from 7:45pm. Fans can watch on BBC Two, with Griffiths keen to see who his side get in the next round.
“The magic of the cup is exciting,” said Griffiths. “We’ll always be watching the draw, so we want to have a cup run or get a big team in the third round. It's always nice to progress.
“I’m not fussed if it’s home or away. It’s nice to tick a stadium that I haven’t played at, but home or away, we’ll be happy. We’ve got to win the next game and get through to the third round.”
