Paul Buckle will go into Saturday’s game against Macclesfield assured in the belief that his side can come away with the victory that will make it nine points out of twelve in the League 2 table.
The Rovers boss has been impressed by what he has seen so far but knows that his side still need to tighten up at the back.
“I am really happy with what I have seen so far,” Said Buckle. “I have had some time to reflect and six points is a good return.”
“We have shown our intent with the goals we have scored, and now we have to keep a clean sheet that must be our next aim for us all, to try and steer clear of silly goals. If we can stay solid as a unit I feel we have goals in us at any time.
“The good signs are there defensively, it is going to take a bit of time, but the players are learning by the minute.”
Buckle knows, too, that teams will do their research and come out with a game plan that will trouble his side.
“We expect to see more aerial bombardment. Teams will do their homework, and if they can exploit some weaknesses in us they are going to do that.
“If we can show that we are resilient whether the ball is played in the air, along the ground or wide, that we are competent at defending, teams are going to find it difficult.
“The aim now is to try and make us nice and solid whatever the opposition throw at us.”
When asked about the opposition his Rovers side will face on Saturday Buckle refused to underestimate the opposition, buoyed by a 4-0 midweek win away at Hereford
“It is going to be a tough game on Saturday, Macclesfield have just gone and scored four goals away, but it is one we are looking forward to.
“On Tuesday they scored four goals, didn't concede, and it was away from home. They have got some good players, and I was impressed with them last season.
“They are a good side, and they will upset a few this season, and we have to be ready.”
Though not known for setting his teams out to play rough the former Torquay boss knows his side will be up for the competition whatever is thrown at them.
“It shouldn't worry us what surroundings we play in because when we train every day we picture being in competition and when we go onto the pitch we picture the training ground.
“We won’t be put off by a smaller club or poor surroundings. We have got our own goals and standards, and our standards are very high at the moment and we want to keep them there.
“Let’s try and go and do the nasty side as well as the nice stuff.
“I think you saw us the other night really dig in and do the horrible side of the game, if we do that we always feel we have a chance to go and express ourselves at the other end.”
Despite looking decidedly dodgy at the back last weekend against Torquay Buckle is pleased with how his team have gelled and adapted to his tactics.
“There is an understanding developing, and everyone involved with Bristol Rovers is looking for us to push forward and start seeing signs of relationships on the field; both attacking and defending.
“As a team I encourage us to go forward as a team, and go back the other way as a team.
“It is going to take a bit of time for the understanding to come, but with the midfield being nice and strong and solid, that is a sound basis for the rest of the team to go and attack.
“But the back four is big for us at the moment, we defended high balls well the other night, and we are going to have to do that again on Saturday.”
Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson noted how important Tuesday’s win was for his side but also took the time to give his opinion on Rovers chances this season.
“It will make it a bit better now as we're up and running and we've got points on the board.
“I think Bristol Rovers are one of two or three favourites to win this division, with their resources and the players that they've signed.
“When you can go and sign the players that are proven and good in this division, the recipe's there to be half decent.”
Rovers will be without Gary Sawyer, Stuart Campbell and Ollie Clarke while Joe Anyinsah is likely to miss out.
Vinny Mukendi and Colin Daniel are side-lined for Macclesfield with Paul Morgan and Waide Fairhurst also doubtful to start.
No comments:
Post a Comment