It will be hard to find a substitute who made a faster impact than Ryan de Havilland for Bristol Rovers against Gillingham.
With the Pirates one goal behind going into half-time against the Gills, Evans made a quadruple change, bringing on De Havilland, Yususf Akhamrich, Luke Thomas and Kane Thompson-Sommers in an attempt to turn the game in the Gas' favour.
With less than a minute on the clock after the start of the second half, de Havilland chipped a cross towards Alfie Kilgour, who scored with a header to level the score before Ellis Harrison netted later on to help the Gas seal all three points.
Speaking to BRTV after the fixture, De Havilland was pleased to come on and make an impact, also praising the other three players who came on.
Ryan, a massive win on the road here today. How do you reflect on it?
“It’s an absolutely massive win. We spoke about it before the game; it was such a big game for us. We never turn it down like that. We knew it was going to be big, and we knew what they had to give. Obviously, in the first half, it was a difficult game; we couldn’t really get a foothold, and it’s a debatable penalty, to be honest.
"Riley Harbottle has got a little nudge in the back, hands have gone up, and it’s about a yard away from him, but in the second half, the boys that came on really made a difference. We got it down, played a bit, found the wide areas, and it made a big difference."
You’re one of the subs that came on. Have you ever been part of a quadruple substitution?
“I don’t think I have, to be honest, but I have had the pleasure of it today. I am grateful to be one of the players to come on and make a difference.
"When you’re seeing the team down, and you’re not on the pitch, you want to come on and make that difference, and the other three lads as well played a massive part. Everyone who came on was unbelievable and really put a shift in."
What did Steve say to you at half-time to go out there and make an immediate impact?
"The boys are warming up and come out and tell us that we’re coming on. So, we just get a sharp warm-up in and make sure that we’re ready to come on. We know that at the end of the day, run hard, play hard. We know our strengths as individuals as well. So, we implemented it well."
You found Alfie seconds after coming on. Does that give you an immediate bounce?
"I’m glad you said it to be honest because I was saying to some of the guys that it’s gone down as Yusuf’s assist, and I’m not having that one bit, so make sure that goes to me. It was a massive impact two minutes into the second half. To get a goal that quickly gives you that momentum. You’ve just got to put your foot on their throat and really, really give it to them."
Does that give you the energy to go and get the second, and Ellis is always in the right place.
"Ellis is always sniffing around for a goal. It helped him this time, being a bit leggy. It’s been flicked onto him, he’s always there at the right time, and I’m buzzing for him because he was desperate for a goal."
We’ve spoken about togetherness after every game, but especially this one with five wins in seven. It feels like the team is going in the right direction.
“When you bring in so many people in January, obviously, a new manager comes in during December, and it takes some time to click. As a group, the togetherness is really there, and it’s improving day by day.
“Every day, we’re around each other, good banter, good liveliness, and training is always good. So, we know what we need to do, and we’ll be looking to win more games as the season progresses.”
Finally, there is a week to prepare for the next game, and you’re back at The Mem as well, so that must give you a boost.
“It’s so good being back at The Mem. Those fans are some of the best I’ve seen, especially for League Two; it’s incredible. There was a brilliant display here today, and it was brilliant for those who travelled. We’ll just be looking to put another shift in and another three points."
