Matt Taylor was delighted with Bristol Rovers’ second-half performance in their 3-1 win over Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One.
The Gas went into the break 1-0 down after Danilo Orsi broke the deadlock for the Brewers, but Rovers responded brilliantly after the restart.
Shaq Forde came off the bench to score his first goal for the Pirates before Clinton Mola fired his side ahead. Ward, who also came on as a substitute, added a goal to his two assists in the final stages to confirm the Gas’ first away triumph of the campaign.
Taylor believed there was a big difference in the performance in the second half and was pleased with his oncoming substitutes.
I’m delighted we got three points...
"There was a huge contrast between the first and second half," he said. "That’s me being nice and calm in terms of describing the first half. We weren't good enough in that period and deserved to be behind in the game.
"We changed shape early on in the game, and it didn’t make that much of a difference in terms of the pattern of the first half. We were second best.
"As always, we were honest at half-time and tried to implement a few aspects and put a few points across. We made changes as the second half went on and looked like a totally different team.
"I’m delighted we got three points and backed up Tuesday night."
The intent and the personality in the second half was totally different...
"We were not good enough in the first half and holding onto something, even if it is a one-goal deficit gives you a chance," he said.
"When they showed what they could do, not me, the substitutes or anything else, just the intent and the personality in the second half was totally different.
"All of a sudden, we’re back to that Tuesday night team who are forward, aggressive that thinks ‘how hard could I run and how much can I compete?’
"That’s the team I like an awful lot more and I’m sure that’s the same for our supporters."
You’re looking at how to get Shaq on the pitch as early as you can...
"You’re looking at how to get Shaq on the pitch as early as you can," he said. "Scott Sinclair was outstanding yet against in the first half and second half.
"So, it’s about which side you bring Shaq on. He had his moment in terms of the goal, then he grew in confidence and fitted into what the team was.
We’re a better team when Ward’s at his best...
"Ward adds drive," said the manager. "I still think he is getting closer to where we want him. He’s been through a difficult physical period last season, and we want to keep pushing him. Today will do him the world of good.
"He was probably disappointed not to start the game but then to affect it with that drive. He’s the only one of our midfield group that have that, and we’re a better team when he’s at his best on the pitch."
