Trollope-Hartlepool Match Reaction

Paul Trollope talks about Saturdays vicory overs Hartlepool.

‘It was a rollercoaster of emotions for us today,’ Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk, ‘We went one goal down after making a bright start, but then we went a goal after and more or less at the same time we heard that Stockport were a goal ahead and that Darlo were down to ten men.
‘So we knew we had to gamble, we changed a couple of players around who we thought maybe it wasn’t their day, and we through men forward. We produced a couple of moments of real quality to score two goals, and although we were fortunate when they hit the crossbar, we were pleased to come away with the win.
‘Hartlepool were up for the game, and we wish them well in League One next season. It’s sometimes difficult in matches like this when you’re already promoted, but I was pleased that our players showed the mental and physical strength to get back into it.
‘Rickie Lambert has scored some important goals for us, and there were some very good performances out there in the second half. We dug deep, and the players showed the desire and commitment we needed them to.
‘We’ve given them all a pat on the back because they deserve a little success. But there are four teams in the play-offs, and our aim is not to get through them and into the next league.
‘It’s a challenge, but one we’re ready for, and hopefully by the time the first game comes round in seven days we’ll be ready for it. We are the team in form, and we want to carry that through. There’s nothing worse than going into the play-offs and missing out, so winning them is our aim.
‘We’ve got two tough games against Lincoln, and we’ll give them a lot of respect because they’ve been up there all year. But we’ll go into the games with a lot of belief, and if we get through then we’ll want to win at Wembley as well.
‘We’ve had some good games this year, and some good memories. But making the play-offs isn’t success for us, winning them is.
‘We need to take the momentum we’ve shown over recent weeks and in the second half today into the play-offs, and maybe we’re starting to feel that this could be our year.’