Bristol Rovers first-team coach Dave Horseman praised the team’s resilience after they won 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw with Barnsley in the FA Cup second round.
After Barnsley’s Adam Phillips hit a post; Chris Martin, Ruel Sotiriou, Scott Sinclair and Shaq Forde all scored from the spot for Rovers, while Josh Earl’s effort was saved by Josh Griffiths.
Horseman said: “At times we rode our luck and our defenders and goalkeeper were absolutely brilliant, defending the box and making saves.
“To come through it is perhaps a little bit more special to win it on penalties.
“Our penalties were absolutely outstanding. We practice them every day. I was really confident.
“By hook or by crook we managed to win it, which is all that really matters in the FA Cup. I’m really pleased for everyone at Bristol Rovers.
“We’re dedicating that win to Matty Taylor and his family. What the team showed is everything he epitomises – his spirit and determination. The boys went through the pain barrier for that reason.”
Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke spoke of his anger and frustration at the result.
He said: “I’m angry at the minute, but I need to assess it. When I watch it back, I’ll probably be more frustrated. Because whether it be that final pass or final shot, we just didn’t do it right.
“The result hurts, very much so, because how do we not win the game? The reason we don’t win the game is because we’re not good enough in the final third.
“The game’s all about finishing chances, finishing opportunities. [It was] a very frustrating afternoon for us, a lot of dominance with the ball, a lot of chances created, but not doing what we’re supposed to be doing in the final third cost us.”
