Richie Smallwood was delighted after Bristol Rovers secured their fifth victory at The Memorial Stadium in six outings after a 1-0 triumph over Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night.
The Pirates were looking for a reaction after a narrow loss to Sky Bet League Two leaders Bromley on the weekend, but knew they were up against a tough test, with Shrewsbury claiming three straight away victories. The hosts had the two opening chances, with Will Boyle and Iwan Morgan missing the target before Steve Evans' men gained control in the second half.
Yususf Akhamrich twice went close before Tommy Leigh broke the deadlock, with his deflected strike from the edge of the box beating Matthew Cox on its way into the bottom corner.
Speaking to BRTV after the contest, Smallwood reflected on the win and Leigh's impact on the Gas.
So Richie, another win at The Mem today, how do you reflect upon it?
"Yeah, I mean, it wasn’t pretty, but not many games are at this level. It was a huge win, a little bit of luck, I think it got a bit of deflection, but he [Leigh] was in the right place again at the right time, and he struck it, and thankfully he has got half a decent contact on it, and it skimmed against the line and in the bottom corner.
"It was just what we were waiting for all game, because it was a pretty scrappy game."
Tommy's goal was the first shot on target of the contest. Was it about just almost being patient and just waiting for this goal to come?
"I thought we could have been a bit composed at times, but I thought they defended well. They were knocking it long, they were stretching us a little bit, and it was hard for us to get our rhythm and a bit of routine.
"But we always knew we would get a chance, you always get a chance at some point, and I thought we were a lot better in the second half again, and I think we deserved the three points in the end."
You know Tommy really well from before your time at the Club. What does he bring to the Club, as well as his goals and assists?
"Yeah, he is obviously a technical player, and when he puts the hard work in like he has done since he has been there, he gets the reward as he has got the quality to score goals and assist goals, and make a difference in tight games like this and long may it continue because he's in a rich vein of form."
Another triple change from Steve Evans seemed to make a difference as well. How did the subs get on today?
"Yeah, it is a squad game, I think the managers have always said that over the years, it's a squad game, you never know when you are going to be needed. Football can change in a second, and the subs the last few games have been impactful, and they have done well, and the lads have found themselves in the team.
"It is up to them to keep hold of it, and obviously, the subs have got to be ready to make an impact because we are going to need everybody."
A clean sheet is always going to help your cause, isn’t it? If you do not concede, you can't lose, and today we won.
"I thought the defence handled it very well. I felt we were a bit more controlled with the four; we started with a three, but nonetheless, we were still pretty solid. They had a few moments early on where they were stretching us, getting them over the top with just a few hopeful balls, but overall, I felt we defended very well, and clean sheets are massive for confidence."
With five wins in six at The Mem, does that add an extra level of confidence knowing that you're going to be playing in front of the home fans?
"Obviously, the old saying is win your home games, make it a fortress, and I think that is what we have done as of late, and yes, it is great. I think I have come here before, and it has been a really tough game, and I ended up on the losing side, and it can be a real fortress.
"The fans have obviously been outstanding since I have been here, not just to me but to the players, and they are so loyal, they have backed us, and we are just giving something back and something to cheer about finally."
Is it now about resting, recovering, Gillingham, and another big game on Saturday away?
"Yeah, absolutely, another one that won’t be a classic, but we have got to be ready for the tight matches and whatever the next opposition brings, and we know it is going to be a tight game.
"I am not sure how they have got on tonight, but they have not been doing too well, and I know a few of the players, and I know they are good players, so they can potentially turn it on, but we have got to be ready, dust ourselves down, recover properly, and do the right things."
Finally, plenty of starts for you since coming. How have you settled into the club?
"I've really enjoyed it, what a brilliant Football Club. The full set-up from the training ground, everything through there and hopefully the games have picked up, and I have managed to get a few minutes and keep hold of the shirt now, so may long that continue, and I am absolutely loving it here at The Mem, just keep picking up the wins and see what happens."
