Coughlan knows Bristol Rovers still have work to do despite win over Gillingham

Posted Wednesday, March 13, 2019 by PA

Graham Coughlan was once again indebted to star striker Jonson Clarke-Harris as the 24-year-old’s wonder goal earned Bristol Rovers a 1-0 win at Gillingham.

In a scrappy game, the new boy – who arrived from Coventry in the January transfer window – showed his quality just before the hour mark as he powered home from 25 yards, a goal worthy of sealing all three points.

It was the forward’s sixth goal in five league games and it handed Rovers a vital win in their battle against the drop, a job that Coughlan knows is not yet done.

“There is lots of work to be done and lots of points to play for,” he said.

“But to come to Gillingham on a Tuesday night in these conditions shows we’re effective. If the boys keep giving us that work-rate, commitment and attitude I have high hopes.

“My task isn’t just to keep this team in the division. I want the players to push on and achieve more than they previously have in their careers individually and collectively to move this club on.

“I don’t know if it was a deserved victory, but all victories are great. It was ugly again, similar to Saturday, the conditions played a massive part and at times it felt that the officiating was against us, too.

“It was going to take the conditions, one mistake or a moment of quality to win the game and I’m just delighted that the moment of quality went in our favour.”

Clarke-Harris had spurned first-half chances that could have settled Rovers’ nerves, but it was to be a game of few opportunities, played out in torrid conditions.

Jack Bonham was equal to Gillingham’s only clear-cut effort as he stopped Brandon Hanlan’s weak strike just after half-time.

Clarke-Harris unleashed a 57th-minute strike that flew past Tomas Holy to take Rovers above the Gills into 16th, something that boss Steve Lovell believes by no means seals their fate as they dice with the League One trapdoor.

“There are nine games to go and a lot of teams remain in the mix,” he said.

“There’s nothing in the league and there’s a long way to go. I’ve still got faith – just because we lost tonight I’m not going to get worried by it. There was nothing in the game, but a bit of quality won it.

“I’m still happy that we’ve got time to get as many points as we can. I’ve been in football long enough to know you can get kicked at any time – everybody down the bottom will feel the same way.

“I’m just disappointed as tonight was an opportunity for us to start thinking upwards instead of downwards.”