Joe Quigley suggested Bristol Rovers put plenty of work into having a fast start against Grimsby Town, and they did just that on Saturday afternoon.
The Pirates were dealt an immediate blow in their midweek outing against Oldham Athletic, conceding a super strike from Kane Drummond in the opening minute. However, Rovers reacted with two quick-fire goals against the Mariners on Saturday to set the tone for the afternoon.
Kofi Balmer blasted a volley into the bottom corner to break the deadlock before Quigley drove a low strike past Jackson Smith to give the Gas a healthy advantage inside seven minutes. Andy Cook got one back for Grimsby just before half-time to ignite a possible comeback, but Yusuf Akhamrich struck after the break to put the game beyond the visitors.
Ultimately, Rovers' two goals right at the start of the contest proved pivotal, with Quigley delighted that his side could get the first goal.
“It was bang on, really," he said. "It was everything we said we needed to do in this game. Coming into the game with the build-up over the last couple of days, it’s all been about a sharp start, and I think the main thing was scoring the first one instead of conceding it. I think it makes a massive difference, and you can see what it does for us when we get the first goal.
He later added, "I think we came into this game knowing it was a must-win, and we went out and got the job done. I think we defended well the whole game. Everyone out there defended well. I think the back four and Brad were outstanding, and I think when we were [leading] 2-1, I think the third goal makes a big difference."
Balmer's stunner was followed by Quigley's first goal at The Mem. Akhamrich raced down the left and cut the ball across the box towards Quigley, who got ahead of his marker to direct a first-time effort low past Smith, making it two goals and an assist in the blue-and-white quarters since joining from Oldham Athletic in the January transfer window.
Quigley reflected on his goal and the impact Steve Evans has had on his game, with the Head Coach getting the best out of him.
"When someone like Yusuf gets in there, I think he’s always going across goal," said the striker. "So, it was about getting in front of my man in case he does cross it or shoot. He’ll probably say cross, but I’m not sure. I think it was a cross-shot.
"He [Evans] signed me, knowing what I’m capable of. He’s a great gaffer, and he’s worked really well with me so far, and it’s been a good start. I want to get as many goals as possible because it’s helping the team, but the main thing is three points and how many wins we can get from now until the end."
The Mem has certainly been a fortress for Rovers in recent weeks, with the Pirates winning three of their last four matches at home, scoring ten goals in that time. The players on the pitch have given the Gasheads something to cheer about, with Quigley adamant that the connection with the fans is vital to success.
"The fans and the players work together," he said. "I think when we give them something to cheer about, they’ll cheer, and like you saw today, when we start like that, they’ll definitely be there supporting us."
The combination of Ellis Harrison and Quigley worked effectively on Saturday. Nevertheless, Evans has plenty of options to play with in the attacking third of the pitch, so has the flexibility of playing in different styles, with players battling for their place every week. Alongside Quigley and Harrison, Fabrizio Cavegn, Mees Rijks and Promise Omochere can all play up front.
"I think all competition is healthy," said Quigley. "I think you need it within a Club, and we need to drive each other on and the ones coming on, whether it’s me or anyone else, we need to go out and make sure we’re bang at it."
