Bristol Rovers ended their run of three home games in eight days with an impressive yield of six points from a possible nine.
Spurs loanee Yusuf Akhamrich managed three goals in the first two games, while Shaq Forde ended his baron run with a brace most recently against Chesterfield to go with his two assists in the two games prior.
That means the Gas have beaten Newport County 3-0 in the most crucial three points in recent times, subsequently defeated play-off chasing Walsall, before eventually falling to Chesterfield – who move to within a point of the now-struggling Saddlers.
Following back-to-back clean sheets, Rovers will be somewhat dissapointed to return to some defensive moments being criticised.
“Our defending for the second goal was horrendous really,” Evans told BRTV.
“We’re in the middle of our box, and we’re not marking anyone – we’re marking space.”
“And space has never scored a goal. So Kofi Balmer is left having to deal with two at the back post… sorry that was the winner, good finish.”
“The one before that, it’s come off his shoulder I think. Today if we defend better, we possibly do win the game. So it’s a lesson. You know, your Harbottles and your Kilgours have been very good for us, and they need to be better than they were today.”
Rovers’ wins over the Exiles and Walsall were characterised by their defensive solidity, but it’s fair to say the Gas were caught out by a well-coached Spireites side with a plethora of attacking talent.
Evans’ switch to a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 did seem to play a part in allowing Chesterfield more space in the channels, though Cook’s side had already limited the Gas playing out by executing a box-midfield at times around the home side’s midfield duo of Clinton Mola and Ryan de Havilland.
Still, Evans was disappointed that all three of the goals his side conceded came from headers and volleys in and around the six yard box. After, as mentioned, successive clean sheets, it was reason for frustration.
Despite the eventual result, Rovers scored two goals and competed well with the Spireites – testament to the progress made under Evans and confidence after the last week.
Chesterfield may well be disappointed with the manner of the goals they conceded too, with both coming as a result of headers too – a clear path to goals in this game for both sides.
Nonetheless, Evans reflected positively on a week where many supporters purely saw the game against the Exiles as the priority, and the match-ups with the promotion chasing sides somewhat as bonuses – in the end dissappointed the Gas didn’t come away with more.
“I’m talking about individuals not having the best game, but I tell you what they’re giving everything for the shirt, for the badge,” Evans said. “And we said to them, I can take a defeat today. I can drive home today – am I disappointed? I’m on the floor. But I’ll wake up tomorrow and my team’s given me everything.”
“Paul Cook’s just said it – he said ‘I know it was 10 men earlier in the season, but he just said it’s a different Bristol Rovers team’. And it’s a Bristol Rovers team that’s different in large because we’re fighting. We want to win more”
That winning desire has been evident to see, and plenty of credit is owed to Evans for that turnaround – and he received just that from the Spireites manager, talking to him after the game.
“Paul Cook’s a good coach, and he’s just said to me, ‘I don’t know why you’re disappointed. You’ve been here five weeks, and we’ve been here five years trying to build this team,’” the Scot revealed. It’s also clear evidence that Rovers are trending in the right direction.
Going forwards, Gasheads can expect their newest additions – Joe Quigley, Tommy Leigh, and Richie Smallwood – who all got minutes against Chesterfield, to continue to gel with the rest of the squad, and continue to lead Rovers away from the drop zone.
