Paul Trollope described last night's 1-0 victory over Walsall as a "big win" that he believes has virtually assured Rovers of League One safety.

The first team coach watched his side run out comfortable winners at the Bescot Stadium to rise up to 15th place in the table.

The result ended a run of 11 games without a win for Rovers, and it should be enough to ensure the Pirates stay in the same division for another year.

"It was a big win for us," Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk, "We've been on a disappointing run where we've had a lot of decent performances, but we haven't had the results that we feel we've deserved at times.

"We produced some good passing football in the first half, we created plenty of chances and looked dangerous going forward. In the second half they put us under pressure, but because we defended so well we limited them to virtually no clear-cut chances. People put their head in when it mattered, and that is what it's all about.

"From the disappointment of the loss at Bournemouth we wanted to bounce back and we did that. There has been a bit of anxiety creeping in because of the run we've been on, and because of the need to move away from any worries at the bottom end of the table.

"It's still mathematically possible that we could end up in the bottom four, but it would take a miracle set of results for that to happen now."

Having reached the 50-point mark, Paul now wants to see Rovers strive to reach 60 points for the season and what would be a comfortable mid-table position.

"We've broken 50 points, but now we want to push on for 60 and look for a good mid-table finish," he said, "We've got three home games coming up, and there's a good chance for us to get a decent points return from next week.

"Our home form hasn't been fantastic this season, but we want to go out on a positive note, and if the fans can turn out for these three matches and we can deliver the results for them then it would be a good way to end the season.

"We know we've drawn too many games and not scored enough goals, but if we can push up the table over the last few matches then I think we can look back on the season and be reasonably satisfied.

"It's out first season back in this division, we've done well away from home, we reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, and if we can push up a few more places in the league then I think we can be pleased with the year we've had."