Rovers are looking up in all ways, insists Joey

ROVERS manager Joey Barton spoke of his growing pride in both team and club after an against-theodds victory with ten men.

Aaron Collins won the game in the 90th minute, heading home from close range after Walsall goalkeeper Chris Rushworth had collided with Rovers substitute Harvey Saunders.

But Barton was particularly pleased with how his players coped after going a man down on 38 minutes when right-back Luca Hoole was shown a second yellow card for a foul, having already been booked for dissent.

The manager said: “The scenes at the end were unbelievable and the way our fans kept behind us played a huge part in the win.

“It was a strange decision to book

Luca for asking for a yellow card for one of their lads, who absolutely wiped one of our players out. Then a few minutes later the referee showed him another yellow when it wasn’t a bad tackle.”

The visitors were unable to capitalise and paid the price when goalkeeper

Carl Rushworth collided with Rovers substitute Harvey Saunders advancing from his line and the ball broke for Collins to nod home from close range.

James Belshaw protected the lead with his only testing save in the dying seconds, but it was one of few threatening moments for the Rovers keeper.

Barton’s men created what few first half chances there were, Luke Thomas forcing Rushworth to save at the second attempt on 18 minutes, the ball finally being held on the line.

It took Walsall until the 65th minute to register a shot on target and then Conor Wilkinson’s low drive was comfortably saved by Belshaw.

Barton added: “I am so proud of my players and the way the club is developing. You can’t have a good football team without a good football club and things are coming together for us on and off the pitch.”

“On Monday I will see if I can add a bit of quality to the squad.”

Walsall manager Matt Taylor admitted: “In our last game we got a performance, but not a result. We didn’t get either today.

“When you have a man advantage you need to apply periods of heavy pressure and we were unable to do that. We made poor decisions.”