Danny Schofield spoke of his relief as Rovers returned to winning ways in the final home game of the season.
Tommy Rowe’s strike helped Rovers to a 1-0 win over Colchester United, ensuring they signed off at home on a positive note after difficult late season form.
Schofield on ending the winless run:
“It’s been a long time coming. We’ve been on a tough run over the last 14 games or so. To get that win at home, in the last home game of the season, is a really positive thing to do.”
On how the game played out:
“It was a really competitive game. I asked the lads to step up the level in terms of defending balls into the box and long, direct balls which we’ve faced a lot and come unstuck. We’ve conceded some goals that have been around that aspect of the game.
“I think we stepped up that level, competed that bit more and got the win from the byproduct of that.
“I thought we started the game really well and then had a period afterwards where we conceded a lot of corners against but we defended them well. Every time a ball went into our box or went into our defensive line, I thought we competed well initially and then had good cover around to win the seconds. Even though we had a bit of pressure to deal with, I felt we were in control in those situations.”
On the fight from his players:
“I thought it was key to it all. I feel as though the players have been giving that and I said to them afterwards that it’s not been a lack of effort why we’ve not been winning football matches, it’s been key moments.
“Credit to the players because they showed a real togetherness. There was a real energy before the game and it was there at half time too when they were driving that themselves. They went out in the second half to put in a performance to go on and win the game.”
On the goal:
“It was pleasing to score a goal from a set piece, which we work hard on through the week. To get the goal at that moment, eased the pressure we were facing. It was good timing.”
On Louis Jones’ performance:
“I thought he was outstanding. He’s had a tough season at the start where he wasn’t being selected. And then he suffered an injury at the same time Jonathan Mitchell was injured. Louis would have come into the team but they were both injured so we had to get a loan keeper in.
“Credit to Louis. He’s only trained 12 or 13 days since his injury so to come in and put in a performance like that, was pretty special.
“It was a massive save at the end. We know he’s got a lot of qualities - Mitch as well as we’ve relied on him this season in certain moments.
“When you’re in a run of form like we’ve been on, you need to make sure these key moments are in our favour. Louis did everything to help the team.”
On the supporters:
“That was the main driver of the team talk before the game. We can speak tactics all day long but this spirit, this fight is what supporters must see. I know they’ve suffered a lot this season, the supporters, and hopefully that rewards them for their support a little bit and they can go home smiling.”