We need to build on the Blackpool win – Clarke
OLLIE Clarke was clearly delighted speaking in the wake of Bristol Rovers’ impressive 3-0 victory at Blackpool.
Two second-half goals from Clarke, either side of a tremendous Tony Craig strike, ensured a muchneeded win for Rovers.
In an interview with Rovers’ official website, the midfielder praised the team shape which boss Darrell Clarke used in training leading up to the game – with wing-backs Daniel Leadbitter and Michael Kelly playing outside of three central defenders in James Clarke, Tom Lockyer and Tony Craig – and stated that: “It was one of our best performances of the season.”
In fact, he suggested the 3-0 result could have been even better given that Rovers missed two good chances in the first half.
Nevertheless, Clarke stressed the importance of building on the result and carrying that performance level over into future league games, citing the strikers’ efforts at holding up the ball as crucial in their victory.
He said: “It’s a shape we have been quite useful at in the last couple of games, so it was nice to stick with it. I think it paid off in the end.
“We’ve had two great headers and it’s one of those where you think that’s another chance gone. But we still created the chances and we could have had a couple more. We looked better going forward and, hopefully, that can be the start of kicking on now.”
Asked about his goals, Clarke stated that shooting had been a big focus in the training sessions leading up to the game and that the players were delighted to see the preparation paying off.
Clarke also praised the efforts of Rovers’ travelling fans, insisting their support is greatly appreciated.”
He added: “That’s the first time we’ve come off the pitch and there was a good feeling. The fans were singing, chanting names and they’ve come in their numbers still, even though we’re not doing too well. It was pleasing for them.”
Craig’s memorable strike received plaudits from fans and players alike; Clarke emphasised the importance of ‘killing the game’ with a second goal and added that Craig’s strike installed belief that they would get the win.
Clarke was relieved the team had put an end to their poor form, and said he was both “pleased” and “surprised” to be Rovers’ top scorer with four goals. He added that there is a sense of optimism in the dressing room ahead of the FA Cup first round game away at National League side Barnet this Sunday.
Meanwhile, Tom Lockyer has been called up to the Wales senior squad for their upcoming international fixtures. The Bristol Rovers captain has been included in Ryan Giggs’ squad for the fixtures against Denmark and Albania.
Wales host Denmark in their decisive UEFA Nations League game on Friday, November 16, before travelling to Albania for a friendly four days later. The defender has four senior Wales appearances to his name, his most recent Wales outing coming in a goalless draw against Mexico in California last May.
Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey and Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu are back after missing the Ireland game and there are also places for young Swansea winger Dan James and Anderlecht defender or midfielder James Lawrence.