In the wake of Rovers’ convincing 4-2 victory over Oxford United, Tony Mowbray caught up with the clubs’ media team to discuss the players’ performance. Additionally, the manager heaped praise upon the fans who had made the 378 mile round-trip to Oxford to get behind the players.
“We talked about starting fast, off the back of the weekend and we knew that, with their ability, they could pass through you, as they showed at times. They’re the joint highest goalscorers in the league alongside Rotherham; we knew that and wanted to take them out of their stride, which we did exceptionally well and as a result, got our rewards with the goals.
“It was incredibly frustrating to concede with what was literally the last kick of the first 45 minutes, as it could have been prevented, but ultimately, we got the job done with a bit of a scrappy goal that Joe’s (Nuttall) done very well with. Coming away from home is always difficult and to have two away wins in three days is important, we have to rest and recharge the batteries ahead of Saturday’s home game against Bristol Rovers. It’s one of those games which we can’t lose; we’ll need a lot of focus and adrenaline in order to get a positive result against them.
“I’ve told the team about the competition in the forward areas. Nuttall, (Marcus) Antonsson, (Danny) Graham, (Dominic) Samuel and (Bradley) Dack all have to compete for their place in the team, which they know. I ‘love’ them all and I want them to score goals and enjoy their careers here, but I can’t pick them all, which they understand, meaning that they have to grab their opportunity to play with both hands in order to remain in and around the selection to start games.
“Charlie Mulgrew is a dead-ball specialist, he took the responsibility of the penalty and superbly despatched it to extend our lead, which was important for us as they were slowly recuperating after going two goals down as they started to string some good passes together and made it tough for us going into the break. Had we missed the penalty, and went into half-time at 2-1, it would have set the second half up to be a really tough one, but I’m pleased with the players’ efforts as they managed to get the job done.”
Mowbray was asked whether his thoughts had switched to the Bristol Rovers game at Ewood Park on Saturday. He was also asked how important a win at the weekend could be in terms of Rovers’ home form, in addition to the confidence around the club.
“I think it’s important for the team, for the club and for the fans. I’ve said it right from the start of the season; we have to be strong at home as that’s where we’re going to pick up a majority of our points from. We have to really focus on each game and not approach the games casually or overconfidently, in addition to having some belief and confidence, in order to test the opposition, which is what we aim to do at the weekend.
“Corry Evans was feeling a bit dizzy at half-time after working so hard for us and yet, he said he wanted to see if his situation could improve by continuing after the break, but I took him off after a couple of minutes because he didn’t look 100% for me. Let’s hope he settles down and is okay for Saturday.
“The fans were amazing. I’m just pleased that we were able to give them something to cheer about, as we know how much the Rovers supporters have suffered over the last 7 years and I think away day victories are fantastic for the people who pay their hard-earned money and take time out of their working week to travel for hours in order to get here and back. I’d like to offer a huge thanks to the supporters, as they increase the level of intensity that the players play with, as they know that the supporters are on their side and are expecting a good performance.”
