Scoring stunners at The Memorial Stadium is something Kofi Balmer is starting to get used to.
The defender scored an emphatic left-footed volley against Walsall to get his first goal in blue-and-white at the start of February and admitted that he had never stuck a ball so well in his career.
However, less than three weeks later, he has netted another goal that could battle for the Goal of the Month award when it comes around. The Pirates were looking to get back to winning ways, and the centre-back ensured they got off to a fast start against Grimsby Town, firing a powerful volley from the edge of the box into the corner.
It was the starting point for an impressive 3-1 victory over the Mariners, who started the day unbeaten in ten outings, with Balmer delighted with the goal and his celebrations.
"I think it’s just becoming a habit now, no?" he smiled. "No, but I think it was similar to the last one the ball was hit over my head and then, I’m a defender I know myself that you’re not going to get much power on it, so I’ve just held back and same again, on the right foot this time, I just struck it nicely and it’s found the back of the net, so it was good.
"I think this time I was more worried about actually celebrating this time. I think before the ball even went in, I had turned round and started celebrating. No, but look, at the end of the day, I’ve scored a goal, but my job is first and foremost to defend, and we’ve done that well, apart from their goal. But a win’s a win, and we’ll take it.
"As soon as I’ve hit it, it’s just gone through two defenders, and I’ve seen it curling away from the keeper. But being honest, I am just hitting it, trying to catch it sweet, and I’ve found the back of the net, so I’ll take it.
"I was a bit more committed to the celebration with the jump and a fist pump, but I think the boys let me do it this time. It just shows the camaraderie we have, every goal, every celebration, all the boys are together, and that’s what we need to push forward."
Balmer's strike was quickly followed up by Joe Quigley's first goal at The Mem, with Rovers taking a two-goal lead inside seven minutes. The Pirates had all of the control until Andy Cook got one back for Grimsby before the break, but Rovers did not fall under the pressure.
The Gas came out with intent in the second half and reestablished their two-goal lead through Yususf Akhamrich, who curled a composed effort into the bottom corner to give the hosts breathing room.
Reflecting on the contest, Balmer was pleased that his side took their chances and feels that his team can beat anyone on their day.
"Yeah, that was obviously a good win," said the defender. "After Oldham’s performance, we showed what we can do; we just didn’t have the finishing touch in the final third. I think today we showed that if we keep it going, putting performances in and taking our chances, we can beat anyone on our day."
He later added, "When we went two up, I think we started the game very well and got our two goals. After that, we sat back and maybe showed them a little too much respect at points, but at the end of the day, we held out into half time. We said at half-time we needed to go back out and start putting them under pressure, and I think we did that well. Thankfully, we got the third goal and held out from there."
The Pirates' defence stopped Grimsby from creating chances for most of the contest, but when the Mariners found their way through, Brad Young was there to deny them at crucial moments.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper pushed away efforts from Jamie Walker and Cook to help Rovers retain their lead, with Balmer pleased with his performance.
"As a defender, it’s always good to see your keeper bailing you out sometimes, and I think he’s done that a lot," he said. "There are some vital saves that have kept us in it at the point, you’re confident with him behind, and he’s constantly talking, he’s always there behind you to sweep up if the ball goes over. So yeah, the couple of saves that Brad made were very vital for us."
The Mem has been tough for any side to come to in recent weeks, with the Gas claiming three wins in their last four outings at BS7, scoring ten times.
"We need to make it our fortress," said Balmer. "When teams come here, we can’t make it easy for them. Even when we go away, we can’t make it easy for anyone.
"But to get the win here, in front of all the fans, was brilliant because I think we really needed it, as a team and for the fans as well. They travel in their numbers, they come to every game, and that’s what they deserve, so we need to keep going."
