Shaq Forde was delighted to score his first goal at The Memorial Stadium in Bristol Rovers’ 1-1 draw with Lincoln City in Sky Bet League One.
The forward struck the opener in the first half with a fine finish from the edge of the box, but it did not turn out to be the winner after Jack Moylan levelled just after the hour mark.
The Gas are in 16th position after collecting their second draw of the campaign at home against an Imps side pushing towards the playoffs.
Forde created the goal, winning possession and racing forward with the ball before curling his shot into the bottom corner. He was pleased with his contribution and praised Luke McCormick’s unselfish movement.
“At that moment, we had a lot of momentum,” he said. “When the man took a heavy touch, I drove in, and the space opened up after Luke McCormick made the run. I’ve just taken a shot, and luckily, it went in.
“It was a big goal for me. To be able to get my first one here, I can settle down a bit and I feel like I can only push on from here and score more goals.”
It has been a difficult two weeks for Forde, who had racist abuse directed his way after Rovers’ 1-0 defeat to Reading. Two flags crowdsourced by Gasheads were on display to show the fans' commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the forward full of appreciation.
“It’s a nice moment,” he said. “I appreciate all the support and love from the fans that I’ve been getting after what’s happened. The banners were a nice touch, but for me to be able to score in front of my family today again is what I play for."
It was Forde’s second goal in a Rovers shirt, previously opening his account in the Gas’ 3-1 victory away to Burton Albion in October. He unleashed a unique celebration against the Imps.
“I was asked in the week to do a griddy, so I stuck to my word,” said Forde. “So, if I scored, I knew I would pull it out. But other than that, I am open to celebrations. Scoring a goal is always the best feeling.
Forde was the final of 16 summer signings for the Pirates after moving from Watford. He was one of several additions to the attack, with Promise Omochere, Ruel Sotiriou and Gatlin O’Donkor also coming in to bolster the ranks.
He insisted that he is happy to be at the Club and that the options in the attack will only help the team going forward.
“I feel like I’m really coming into my own now,” said Forde. “I’m starting to grow in confidence and in fitness. I’m getting into my groove, and I’m feeling really happy here.
“It’s definitely one of the most exciting attacks that I’ve been in. We’ve got a lot of players, but we’ve got a lot of good qualities that will complement each other in different ways.
“There’s a good mix here, and in training it will only help us push for better.”
