Scott Sinclair hopes Bristol Rovers can ‘kick on’ after the Gas beat Cambridge United 1-0 in Sky Bet League One on Saturday.
Rovers were searching for their first victory under new head coach Iñigo Calderón and took the lead in the first half through Luke Thomas, who latched onto Sinclair’s cross from the left and directed his header beyond Jack Stevens.
Isaac Hutchinson's goal was disallowed for offside after the break, but the Gas stayed strong despite heavy pressure from the U's to keep a clean sheet and collect a victory in the third tier for the first time since November.
Sinclair was pleased with the victory and character of his side at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
“For all of us, it was a long time coming,” said the winger. “I think a lot of change, and with everything with the Club, we’re in a position where we shouldn’t really be. You’ve seen the fight today and the desire of all the players, and hopefully, we can kick on from this win and bounce up the league.
“The last three or four games, we’ve conceded a lot of goals. The main thing is a clean sheet with a win. Obviously, we can get more goals. I thought the goal Isaac scored, but they said it was offside. I could probably disagree with that.
“I think, hopefully, we’re going in the right direction now.”
Rovers are now five points clear of the relegation zone after ending their seven-game winless run in League One. Despite only collecting one point along that stretch, the Pirates were unfortunate to come away with nothing in recent games with Exeter City and Leyton Orient, creating plenty of chances in both outings without coming away with anything to show for their efforts.
Sinclair admitted that it all comes down to confidence and that the players are looking forward to working under Calderón.
“This league is so tough,” said Sinclair. “It doesn’t make a difference who you play against. It’s always going to be tough. I think it’s a massive confidence thing. I think when you’re confident as players, it becomes much easier.
“At the time when we’re down there, you could see in the last 15 minutes of the game, it got a little bit edgy. The manager has come in, and he hasn’t been here long, but he’s trying to implement a lot of things in a short period of time, and we’re taking it on board.”
He later added: “Everyone is excited, and all the players are looking forward to working with him.
“There’s going to be tough times, but it depends how we deal with it. I think we’ve got the squad, we’ve got the team, we’ve got the talent in the dressing room, but we’ve got to put that all together and make sure we keep getting results.”
It was a special match for Sinclair, who celebrated his 600th senior appearance with an assist and a victory. Making his debut over 20 years ago, the winger has played for 14 teams and collected plenty of accolades at the top of the game.
Now Club captain at Rovers, Sinclair stated he is still delighted to be playing and wants to keep going.
“It's great,” he said. “For me, I still enjoy playing football. My main priority is to be here and keep playing, and I still feel like I’ve got years left. That’s a great thing. I’m still fit, and I’m still enjoying it, but only enjoying it when we’re winning.”
