Barton hails ‘massive’ result for the players and fans
I thought we were brave and we had to climb off the canvas after conceding a goal against the run of play, but I’m really pleased for the lads
OEY Barton believes his Bristol Rovers side were deserving of their three points at Walsall on Saturday, and he was delighted to reward Gasheads with their first away win of 2021.
More than 1,000 supporters travelled to the Bescot Stadium, despite Rovers’ poor start to the season and dreadful form on the road stretching back to December.
But, at last, they were rewarded with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over the Saddlers, with Connor Taylor providing the equaliser to Kieran Phillips’ first-half opener 11 minutes from time, before substitute Sion Spence popped up in stoppage-time to tap in the winner and spark pandemonium in the away end.
“To get that winning feeling for us today was massive because I really felt we deserved it on the way we played and the way we tried to take control of the game,” Barton said at full time.
“I thought we were brave and we had to climb off the canvas after conceding a goal against the run of play, but I’m really pleased for the lads.
“I thought they were superb in terms of their character and their application, and they rewarded the travelling Gasheads, who I think were the 12th man.
“We were away from home today, but you wouldn’t have known that from the noise from the travelling army.
“Really pleased for them because they pay their hard-earned money, so I’m really pleased for everybody and hopefully this is a springboard we can kick-start our campaign off.”
Barton believes the victory - Rovers’ third in League Two this season to move them to 18th place - was fitting reward for his players, too.
He insists they are giving their all to deliver success.
“I think that’s the thing that’s been missed, how much this group of players cares,” said Barton.
“They really want to do well for the football club and I think they are paying the price for players who maybe haven’t been like that before.
“But this is a committed group who really want to give Bristol Rovers pride back in the quarters and today, hopefully, they bounce back
down the motorway now because it’s been long, long overdue to get those Gasheads three points.
“The manner in which they did it, at that end and a late winner, Sunday dinner’s going to
taste amazing tomorrow, isn’t it? It’s been horrible for a few weeks.”