Matt Taylor insisted that he was proud of Bristol Rovers’ performance in their 3-2 win over Charlton Athletic before challenging his side to put pressure on Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
The Gas were in control for most of the match against the Addicks and were leading 3-0 going into the latter stages after goals from Scott Sinclair, Jamie Lindsay and James Wilson but Charlton scored two late goals to bring the game to a nervy conclusion.
The victory ended Rovers’ four-game losing run, starting a busy October with a win that pushed them outside the relegation zone.
Taylor discussed the mood in the group and the importance of building momentum and previewed the Burton Albion match before speaking on injury news.
MOOD IN THE GROUP
"The mood in the group is more positive than it was," he said. "The win and three points over Charlton were much needed. But also, alongside that, was a performance that we were generally proud of.
"The last ten minutes were probably a little bit more nervy than it needed to be, but certainly a positive night for everyone involved."
BUILDING MOMENTUM
"It’s important that we build on the win and back up a good performance on Tuesday with another performance and hopefully bring back some points," said Taylor.
"We’ve not got enough points to date on the road. So, this weekend is an opportunity to change that, but we’ll have to be at our best. It’s not the longest journey in the world, so hopefully, we will go well supported, and some of them can go with a little bit more hope than maybe recently.
"We’ve got to be in a certain position in the game to put the opposition under pressure. I thought we did that very well against a very strong Charlton team on Tuesday night."
BURTON ALBION PREVIEW
"They are similar to us as they brought in so many players," said the manager. "So, it’s going to take them a long time to adjust, get used to each other, learn about each other, and find their true style and identity.
"Similar to ourselves, I don’t think we’ve found that as yet when there’s been such a big turnover. But they brought in some quality and some players we have to be aware of and acknowledge.
"The style of play as well. They are a possession-based team that looks to work the ball through the pitch and through the thirds. So, out of possession, we’ll have to work our socks off but then find a way of testing the opposition goal."
INJURY NEWS
"It’s a little bit too soon," he said. "We’re only really 48 hours after Tuesday night. Certainly, some of the senior ones and the majority of the minutes on Saturday and Tuesday, their bodies aren’t in the best possible shape.
"But sometimes, on the back of a win, you feel better about yourself physically. I’m sure their minds are clearer than they have been previously, and they’ll all want to be on the pitch this weekend.
"Win, lose or draw, we’ve still got a hungry group, and nobody is putting themselves away from that. Hopefully, there will be some selection headaches and issues because we’ve got some players to potentially come back into the fold.
"Taylor Moore is now available and has been one of our stand-out performers this season."
