Promise Omochere was delighted to score his first two competitive goals for Bristol Rovers in the Gas’ 2-0 victory over Cambridge United.
The forward, who signed from Fleetwood Town in the summer, netted either side of half-time to help Rovers secure their second win in Sky Bet League One this season.
Both triumphs have come at The Memorial Stadium, with Rovers’ other point coming against Rotherham United on the road.
Omochere enjoyed scoring at home but insisted that the win against the U’s was the most important part of the game.
“It feels really good,” said Omochere. “It was good to get the three points at The Mem. I think that was the most important thing, to bounce back from a defeat at Stockport.
“I was more than happy to contribute two goals and get the win."
Omochere has started all four league games in the attack for Rovers and has been an important part of the team without scoring, providing a physical presence to challenge opposition defenders and bringing others into play.
Manager Matt Taylor has praised the striker in recent weeks, with Omochere thrilled to score his first goal.
“As a striker, it’s important, and you always want to get the first one out the way,” he said. “You feel the weight is lifted off you, and you can get more and more.
“I am really happy to get off the mark today with two goals.”
Rovers were in control for most of the match and restricted Cambridge to just one shot on target. After a tight opening ten minutes, Omochere believes a tactical tweak helped the team.
“It was a really good performance as a team,” said the forward. “I think we got the pressure right today. The first ten minutes, it was a bit difficult, but then getting one of the central midfielders to jump with me and Ruel [Sotiriou] helped us out with the three centre-backs up there.
“It showed as well in evidence for the first goal. We nicked it high and LT [Luke Thomas] played me through, and I was able to score.”
The Gas made sixteen new signings in the summer, including two late deals for Gatlin O’Donkor, who debuted off the bench, and Shaq Forde, with the youngster welcomed before kick-off after moving from Watford.
Omochere believes it will still take time for everyone to gel together but stated that the display against the U’s showed that the team were going in the right direction.
“With a lot of new signings, it’s definitely going to take time to gel and form partnerships,” said Omochere. "So, forming partnerships and forming relationships with players around you is important, and with that many new signings, it’s going to take time.
“It was evident today that it will come together, and we’ll obviously get more goals, wins and points at the end of the day.”
Taylor’s men have now kept three clean sheets in four games. Keeping the ball out of the net is as important to the defence as it is a forward, with the strong record giving Promise confidence.
“Especially as a striker, it’s good to know that if we do score one or two, our defence is really good and really strong,” he said. “It does feel like we’ll be able to hold out most leads we do get.
“Three clean sheets out of four, you can’t ask for more.”
