Richie Smallwood was pleased with Bristol Rovers' away point against Swindon Town after the Gas drew 1-1 with the Robins at the Nigel Eady County Ground in Sky Bet League Two.
The Pirates were looking to build on their 3-1 victory over Grimsby Town last weekend, and gained the lead just before half-time, defending well before Kane Thompson-Sommers broke the deadlock with a fine left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Swindon are pushing for the play-offs and came out of the blocks quickly after the break. Soon after Ellis Harrison headed wide, experienced striker Ollie Palmer fired a first-time effort past Brad Young to level the score, with the points shared on Saturday afternoon.
Reflecting on the contest, Smallwood knew Swindon would pose a challenge and was happy with the draw on the road.
“I think it’s a good point," he said. "Obviously disappointed with leading and the type of goal we conceded, but I thought there was lots of good stuff today, and obviously we had chances as well, ourselves.
“Yes, Brad’s made a few saves, but we could have done better with a few of our chances as well. So, I think overall it’s a good point. We knew they were a good side, an attacking side. Obviously, a big man up front, he’s a handful for anyone due to his size. He’s got quality as well, you see that shot there, that Brad tipped over.
“That’s just all-out quality, and we knew what we were up against. They've got some good players that press well, pressing in their numbers, but we know if we can break that, we can create chances. I thought it was a good game to be fair, but we knew their threats, and I thought we dealt with it, for the large parts, very well.”
Thompson-Sommers lit up the game with a fine goal before the break. Harrison played a quick free-kick into the midfielder, who brought the ball forward before moving inside and whipping a fine strike into the bottom corner.
"It’s a great goal," said Smallwood. "Quick thinking from Ellis, quick free kicks. We were under the cosh in the first half, so we were a bit wary of doing the quick free kicks, but that one managed to pay off and Kane with a bit of quality there and obviously a great finish to put us ahead.”
Rovers' draw at Swindon was another step in the right direction, with the Gas picking up their first point on the road since beating Shrewsbury Town 3-0 on New Year's Day. With 12 games left to play, Smallwood is looking to end the season strongly.
"Yeah, I mean it’s a classic, isn’t it? Win your home games and get points away," he said. "Obviously, we’re at the stage now where we’re not looking to come and draw games; we’re looking to win as much as possible.
“We need three points. It’s a good point, but we came to get the three, so we’ve got to be a little bit disappointed. Especially with being ahead, but I think on the whole, I think it’s a good point to come here and to get a point because I think they’re very good here. They score a hell of a lot of goals.”
He later added, “I think we can give anyone troubles and problems on our day. We’ve just got to keep doing the basics right, keep working hard, and we’ll be a match for anyone, especially with the style of play that we’re currently playing. So, that will come. Everyone will get more confidence with the more points we keep picking up, and we’ll just move on to the next one and look forward to it.”
Smallwood was Rovers' final signing in the January transfer window, appearing off the bench twice before starting the previous three fixtures in Sky Bet League Two. The 35-year-old has enjoyed his time at the Gas and is looking to play as much as possible.
“I have come in to add competition. For myself, personally, to try and get minutes on the pitch, I think I’m doing that, which is pleasing. I’ve got to continue to do that. The lads have welcomed me with open arms, and they’re a great bunch of lads.
“Obviously, I know how the manager works, and I’m just really enjoying it. Just ticking the games off and hopefully just keep looking forward to the next three points. That’s what I’m aiming for, to try and get as many points on the board as possible.”
