Mees Rijks was pleased to get on the pitch and score his first goal of the season against Cobham Next Gen in the EFL Trophy but was disappointed that his team allowed a two-goal lead to slip away against the Young Blues.
The Dutch striker broke the deadlock for a much-changed Gas team on Tuesday night, darting into the box to direct a first-time finish into the back of the net after getting onto Jack Aitchison's cross.
Joe Quigley made it two just before the hour mark in a controlled performance for the Gas before the Young Blues staged a comeback. Harrison Bettoni and Chizaram Ezenwata netted to equal the score before full-time, with the visitors then claiming the extra point on penalties.
Speaking to the media after the contest, Rijks was frustrated that the Pirates could not hold onto the victory but looked to take the positives out of the contest.
REFLECTIONS ON THE GAME
"I think we started very well. I think in the first 65 minutes, we played so well; we were in control, winning the duels, and then we just switched off. It was silly mistakes that led to two goals. It went to penalties, and we lost on those, so I think it was a bit sloppy in the end, but I think there are loads of positives and things we need to do better."
FIRST GOAL OF THE SEASON
"It feels really nice to get that first goal in and to start. It's an opportunity to show myself, and I was really enjoying getting the minutes."
HIS TIME AT ROVERS
"I'm loving it here. I am loving everything about it. I'm loving the city; I'm loving coming in every day with the boys. All the work the manager does; you saw how well he did at the end of the year as well.
"I know we're capable of doing it as well this season, so I'm buzzing to be here. I feel like a real Bristolian."
THE FINAL 20 MINUTES
"I think we made it difficult for ourselves. I just think we were sloppy. I think we could have done better. You should kill the game at the end. We're capable of doing that, and we just didn't do it."
INJURY IN PRE-SEASON
"Of course, it's really frustrating to get injured. I was really happy with how I started off. I think I did well and I felt really good. It's unfortunate to get an injury and miss some games that are important to show yourself, get minutes in, and be fit. That's frustrating, but I'm fit now. I feel good; I feel ready, so I'm just looking at the now."
PLAYING ALONGSIDE ANOTHER STRIKER
"I think it's really good to play with Joe or with someone else as two strikers, but I am capable of also doing that [play as a lone striker] as well. In pre-season, we played a lot with that and playing off someone. I like to make those runs in behind, be free, keep moving around, coming to places and arriving there."
THE NEW SIGNINGS
"There is loads of quality. We have a lot of quality in the squad. I'm really happy with the signings; there is loads of competition, and I think it makes everyone really sharp, train very sharp, and competition is just very fierce.
