Sil Swinkels stated his last-minute goal made his Bristol Rovers debut ‘extra special’ after the Gas drew 1-1 with Stockport County in Sky Bet League One.
The Hatters gained a second-half lead through Isaac Olaofe’s close-range finish and were heading towards their fifth successive victory in the third tier before substitute Swinkels got on the end of Matt Butcher’s free-kick to score the equaliser for the Gas.
As a result, Rovers have collected seven points from their last three games at home and will look to continue their momentum when they host Burton Albion on Saturday.
Reflecting on the draw against Stockport, Swinkels was pleased that he could help the Pirates gain a point and wants his new side to push forward after collecting a positive result.
“It feels very good,” said Swinkels. “I’m just happy to help the team, and especially on my debut as well just makes it extra special. I’m very happy.
“I think it’s a very good point at home. We worked hard. We had a week where we didn’t have a game. So we had time to get things right for the next two weeks. We’ve got a lot of games coming up, and to start it like this against a Stockport team that’s been strong this season, it’s very important for us, and I think we can definitely build on this.”
Swinkels was one of five January signings for the Gas, moving on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign to reinforce the defensive ranks. Games come quickly in League One, but there were nine days between Rovers’ 3-1 triumph over Peterborough United and the draw with Stockport, with the free week giving the 21-year-old a chance to settle.
“I think for me, coming in and having the full week of training and just getting to know the lads, even just the simple things like getting to know the names and the style of play, it has been a really good couple of days,” he said. “I am happy to top it off with a goal today.”
Centre-back Swinkels will be utilised for his defensive capabilities under Iñigo Calderón but came up with a clinical moment in the attack to earn Rovers a point. With just a matter of minutes left in the contest, Swinkels directed Matt Butcher’s free-kick in off the post to send the home fans wild.
Swinkels analysed his goal and admitted there was a touch of fortune.
“I know he [Butcher] has got a lovely left foot,” said the Dutchman. “We spoke about it in the meeting to be fair. We did say to try and get in the middle of the goal as that’s where the easiest goal is. That’s all I had in mind. I was just looking for where the space is and where I can get in between their zonal players. I thought, hopefully, it lads on my head, and it did. I was just happy.
“As soon as it left my head, I was looking at the ball, and I was thinking it was going to hit the post and come back and maybe get a rebound. I don’t know how, but it bounced in. So, it was a bit of luck, I guess.”
After experiencing the atmosphere at The Memorial Stadium from the stands against Peterborough, Swinkels got the chance to feel the noise on the pitch against the Hatters. The defender was impressed with the fand and insisted the players need them.
“The were very, very important,” said Swinkels. “I’ve been here twice in the stadium, and the last ten minutes were incredible. It was very nice and have the fans behind us, obviously we need them, and we can’t do it without them. We’ve got another home game on Saturday, so we need them again then, and hopefully, we can give them something back.
“Burton are another strong side. Hopefully, we can take this momentum into the next game and just keep going and keep pushing.”
