Leahy: Let’s show the same attacking intent against Gillingham
LUKE Leahy says Bristol Rovers must back up their FA Cup thrashing of Darlington with another good performance against Gillingham tonight.
The distraction of the cup proved to be a pleasant one for the Gas, as they routed the National League North side 6-0 at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday. Now Rovers’ focus has swiftly returned to League One.
Paul Tisdale’s side sit in the relegation zone on goal difference, without a win in six league games, and the Gas are desperate to arrest their slide down the table tonight.
Leahy, who scored two penalties in the drubbing of the Quakers, has demanded his team-mates try to execute he same energetic and attacking game-plan against Gillingham.
“We built it up as though it was a league game,” said Leahy. “These games can be a potential banana skin, but we were professional and we stayed on it until the last minute.
“If it’s 0-0 for the first 30-35 minutes, the opposition can pick up on it, but thankfully we got the first goal.
“It can only put us in good stead. It was easy to do that sort of play when it was 4-0, but we’ve got to make sure we do it on Wednesday against Gillingham.
“Sometimes it’s backs against the wall and we’ve got to make sure and be confident and take that result into the league, because two or three wins can shoot you right up there.
“With the games coming thick and fast, that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”
Leahy appeared third choice for the spot on the left side of defence just a few weeks ago while Ben Garner was in charge, behind David Tutonda and Ali Koiki, but the 28-year-old has started the past two games and is the man in possession of the shirt.
The time out of the matchday squad served to only motivate the former Walsall defender while he remained a model professional.
“It was quite difficult, but I’m a professional and that’s my job at the end of the day,” said Leahy. “Whoever was taking my place, I was always encouraging them and wishing them the best of luck, but when my time came I made sure I was ready. I’ve just got to keep it up now and make sure that shirt is mine. I will always encourage the person that’s out there in my position, because at the end of the day we’re a team and we’re all going for as high as we can in the league.
“Hopefully I can keep chipping in with the penalties and try to get some in open play, but personally I’m just delighted to be back playing and getting another 90 minutes in me.”