Matt Taylor was delighted with Bristol Rovers’ ‘mindset and intent’ after Bryant Bilongo's last-minute winner helped the Gas beat Northampton Town on the opening day of the Sky Bet League One season.
The Pirates had not won on the first day of the campaign since a 3-2 win over Wimbledon in August 2011 and it looked like the long streak would continue as the game headed into stoppage-time goalless, but Bolongo’s last-minute winner sent The Memorial Stadium into raptures.
Discussing the narrow victory, Taylor understood that there was plenty to improve upon but was delighted with the mentality of his side.
“It was edgy, nervy,” said the boss. “We couldn't quite get a handle on where the ball was starting and landing and didn’t win enough of those contacts or competitive moments, but we were actually tough from start to finish.
“We might not have come out on top enough, but we were actually tough in terms of our mindset and intent, which was a progression on what we felt last season, certainly second half of last season.”
Bilongo signed from Middlesbrough in the summer and scored in stoppage-time on his English Football League debut. Previously out on loan at Woking and Ebbsfleet United during his time at Boro, Taylor was delighted for the 22-year-old.
“We spoke before the game about debuts and memories,” he said. “It’s incredible what life gives you if you’re involved in football.
“It's fantastic and I hope Bryant’s family was here today to witness that because he’s not an 18-year-old making his debut, he’s 22 years of age so he’s had to wait a long time and work very hard for his league debut."
Taylor added: “There’s something to like about him, there’s a rawness to his game, but his size, his willingness to head the ball, his smile, there’s is something that I’m sure our fans will start to relate to.”
The Pirates’ boss was also delighted with the noise of the home fans and spoke of his desire for them to stick with his newly evolved side.
“The fans at The Memorial Stadium brought the atmosphere,” he said. “The fans have got to be supportive of this group because they’ll be ups and downs, they’ll be highs and lows.
“But the general intent has been good from start to finish and that’s not just today, that’s throughout the course of pre-season, but now can we maintain it?”
