Jon Stead played as a striker in the Premier League and scored over 150 goals in all competitions across his playing career, meaning he knows what it takes to find the back of the net when it is needed the most.
As such, Bristol Rovers' Assistant Head Coach was delighted to watch Bryant Bilongo expertly dispatch Josh McEachran's cross from the left to give the Gas a 1-0 victory over Bath City in their third pre-season friendly.
The victory over the Romans follows a 2-1 triumph over Chippenham Town and a 3-2 loss to Sky Bet League One outfit Stockport County, with the only disappointment being that the Pirates did not leave Twerton Park with a more comfortable scoreline.
Ruel Sotiriou, Shaq Forde and Promise Omochere all had good opportunities to score, but Stead is not worried in the slightest and is pleased with the opportunities the team created.
So, Jon, a 1-0 victory against Bath tonight. What did you make of that?
“It was a good workout and a good test for us. It was a physical, competitive game. It was two teams going toe to toe. There were some great challenges, which is what you want to see. Everybody came off the pitch in good health, which is also very important. But it was very well contested. I think we had some fantastic opportunities.
“We ended up winning the game through a set-piece, which was pleasing because they are starting to take on that information. But it was just a good test for us, and I think it was one we needed after a long trip and a long time in Spain.”
Bryant Bilongo scored the winner. That was a finish like a striker...
“It was. He could pass a few of those tips onto a few of the other lads. The pitch was difficult, and it was difficult inside the 18-yard box. So, to have that ball floated in on a dime by Josh McEachran and to get a clean contact on it was reallypleasing. But they are things we have worked on, so we’re starting to see them come to fruition now.”
There were plenty of chances today. Is it now about converting them and really putting teams away?
“I spoke to the lads about this, and it’s always the last bit that comes together. That final moment and that final bit of quality in the final third. The clean contact on a finish is always the last bit to come in pre-season. There are no worries or dramas around that. We’re creating some fantastic opportunities. I think even more so in the second half, we started to play and really connect in their half. So, I am really pleased because there are a lot of things that we are seeing that we are working on, it’s just about dialling in those finer details.”
With a clean sheet as well, does it feel like everyone is combining together?
“Definitely. That hits the nail on the head because we’ve got match-winners in the team that are charging back 60 or 70 yards to go and help with the defensive unit, and that shows the group that’s wanting that collective clean sheet. It’s not just the lads at the back. It’s everybody, and I think we’ve got to have that if we’re going to be successful this season. The lads at the back have been solid.
“They have defended balls into the box, and they’ve sprung attacks really, really effectively. It’s a collective effort for sure, but I think it has to be, and that’s what pre-season is about. It’s about building that cohesion and team spirit.”
We always talk about the new signings off the pitch, but there have been plenty of changes off it as well. How have you settled into the coaching dynamic?
“I’m loving it. There are quite a few new members of staff. I have worked with Darrell Clarke previously, so I know what he’s about. My relationship with Rhys has been fantastic. We’ve really been digging into the nitty gritty and tried to really put on sessions that test these lads. We’ve given them a hell of a lot of information, but they are taking it on board. It’s just that consistency and repetition that we’ve got to keep bringing them.
“They’ve already shown that they can take on information, and I think they are craving it. So, we’ll keep building that in layers until we get to somewhere where we want to be. But there’s a lot of work to do, but I’m happy with the way it has gone so far.”
A week in Spain, Bath today and Yeovil on Saturday. It feels like there is plenty of things to get going with...
“Absolutely. It’s good, it’s all different environments, different tests and different things that we have to deal with. It will help us once we get into the season and we’re travelling home and away, and we need to make sure that we’re putting in performances consistently.”
