You could really see what it meant to Mees Rijks when he went running away in celebration after netting his first goal in the blue-and-white quarters.
The forward signed from the Norwegian side Vålerenga in the January transfer window and scored for the first time in English Football against Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon.
Tommy Leigh was at the heart of the move, chipping a perfectly weighted ball down the right to Joel Senior, who decided against shooting and slotted a pass across to Rijks, with the striker in the right place at the right time to scamble his shot in.
Rijks showed nothing but passion as the players rushed over to congratulate him, with the Dutchman delighted with his contribution.
"It was a great feeling to get my first goal," he said. " I am really happy, and I'm really proud. I just saw the ball come to Joel Senior, and I just hoped that he would give it to me, and he did. It was very generous, and I nicked it in. It looked a bit scrappy, and I was really happy.
"It was the first time celebrating in front of the fans and hopefully, many more [to come]. We train a lot, and as a striker, you want to score, you want to have your goals. I'm happy to end the dry spell."
Manager Steve Evans has given Rijks time to settle in at the Gas, with the attacker getting most of his minutes off the bench at the start of his Rovers career. However, Rijks is getting used to English football and has started two of the last three matches.
"I'm really glad he gave me the opportunity," said the striker. "He has been really fair to me. I am just trying my hardest when I am on the pitch, and whatever happens, happens."
Rijks' strike doubled Rovers' advantage, with Ellis Harrison netting just minutes before with a clinical finish beyond Jacob Chapman. Nevertheless, it was not an easy second half for the Gas.
Crawley are fighting for survival in Sky Bet League Two and showed glimpses of promise before Louie Watson found the back of the net with ten minutes to play. Rovers had to defend like warriors, and even after Tom Lockyer was sent off for a foul on Harry McKirdy, they struck the final blow through Yusuf Akhamrich, whose clever chip looped over Chapman on its way in.
After a strong first 45 minutes, the hosts had to battle adversity, with Rijks proud of his team's efforts.
"It feels amazing, and it was a good victory," said Rijks. "We were in a great position and at the end of the first half, I felt like we were really in control and being 2-0 up helped us a lot.
"In the second half, we were struggling a little bit more, and they were stronger. There were some decisions we didn't really get, but it is what it is. In the end, we took it over the line. It was a great goal by Yusuf as well and a great finish."
The Gas victory over Crawley extended an impressive record at The Mem. Evans' men have won eight of their previous nine home matches, including the last six on the bounce, with Rijks suggesting that all of the players feel confident in front of a stadium full of Gasheads.
"When we come here, everyone feels really strong because of the fans, and every single player loves to play here," he told BRTV. "We love to be on our home patch, and we have been really good here. It gives us a lot of confidence."
Switching countries has not been a new change for Rijks, who has played in the Netherlands and Norway before swapping the Eliteserien for Sky Bet League Two. After a few months in a new environment, Rijks is enjoying life in England.
"It's been great so far," said the 23-year-old. "I like it a lot, and Bristol has been great. A lot of the lads have been helping me a lot. We do nice stuff, see the city, and it's been great so far. I like living here."
