Riley Harbottle is expecting a good test when Bristol Rovers welcome Fleetwood Town to The Memorial Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Head Coach Steve Evans has called for a packed crowd at The Mem this Saturday, with the Gas looking to secure a seventh win in eight home outings to take another step towards safety in Sky Bet League Two.
However, it will not be easy for the Gas, who will face a Fleetwood side that has lost one of their last 11 matches in the fourth tier, winning four and drawing six, with the Cod Army's only defeat coming against Grimsby Town.
Harbottle knows the challenge Fleetwood will bring to The Mem after playing against them with Wimbledon last term, with the Dons winning 1-0 at home before a goalless draw on the road.
“I think they’re a good team," he said. "I remember playing them last season. I think they are a young team, but they’re definitely talented. I know a few of their boys when I was at Forest. I think they’ve got two lads on loan.
“They’ll be a good team, it’ll be a good test, and as the gaffer said, they haven’t lost in however long. It won’t be an easy game, but no game is easy in this league.”
Rovers' fixture against Fleetwood comes less than a week after their previous home success, with Harbottle and Jack Sparkes scoring in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley.
Harbottle's first goal in the blue-and-white quarters came from a long throw-in inside five minutes, with Kofi Balmer launching the ball towards the defender, who got above his marker to head in from close range.
The 25-year-old was delighted to score his first goal for the Club and is hoping that the Pirates can score from more long throw-ins, with Balmer an expert at getting the ball into the box from that situation.
“It was a really good feeling," said Harbottle. "It was a great win and a positive result to keep us going.”
“I wouldn’t say we practised. I think we know with Kofi’s throw-in, we definitely should have been doing better with the chances when we were getting from them; we were an absolute weapon. So, we're probably a bit disappointed that we haven't used it enough. I’m delighted to score the first one from it.
“I think obviously the angle it’s coming in is a lot different [than a corner], sometimes. So, it’s trying to read the flight of the ball and things like that, the one on Saturday just fell perfectly.”
The Gas have been in remarkable form in recent weeks, winning six of their previous eight matches in Sky Bet League Two, which has pushed them up to 16th, 14 points above the relegation zone.
During that run, Evans' men have only conceded four goals in that time, keeping four clean sheets.
“I’ve said it a few times, the team I was at last season, I think we conceded 36 or 37 goals in the season, and we ended up getting promoted," said Harbottle. "If you don’t concede, you can’t lose the game at the end of the day.
“I think Alfie Kilgour has been brilliant, he’s been a proper leader. He’s an absolute beast of a lad. But Kofi and Alfie have been outstanding, and obviously, I’ve missed a period in the middle part, and they’ve really stepped up. I was happy to help on Saturday and in the last few games. I’m happy to be back and join them in helping them win the games.
“So, I think that foundation has definitely been built on. But then the attacking players at the other end of the pitch we’ve got is something that is really, really encouraging.”
“When you look at it, we’ve got that many. I’m just watching Promise walk past at the minute, and Promise's not even involved. It’s exciting, you’ve got so many good players, and some aren't even getting stripped at the moment. It’s really positive and a really exciting project to be a part of.”
Gasheads will be filling The Mem this weekend, with Season Ticket Holders able to bring a friend for free. The fans have helped the Pirates over the line numerous times this season, with late victories over Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town key examples.
Harbottle has been thrilled with the support since he joined the Club in January and is excited for the future.
"They’ve been brilliant," said the defender. "Ever since I first came in here, I think the first game I played was Colchester, and we were at the bottom of the table, and The Mem was packed. So, it’s exciting. I can’t wait to be at the top end of the league next season and see what crowds we’re sending out then."
