Joey Barton believes Bristol Rovers overcame their "most difficult" challenge of the season in defeating Colchester United at the Mem on Tuesday to climb into the play-off places for the first time.
Elliot Anderson scored a sublime goal for the second game in succession to break the deadlock four minutes after half time against a stubborn and dogged Colchester side, and it proved crucial on a night of few chances for either side.
Colchester were frustrating Rovers, but 19-year-old Newcastle United loanee Anderson – who scored a sensational solo goal in the win against Harrogate Town on Saturday – provided the game's defining moment by curling into the top corner of Shamal George's net.
The victory lifted Rovers into seventh place – the first time this season they have been in possession of a play-off berth – and within to points of the automatic promotion places. The manager spoke with no shortage of relief at full time after a difficult yet satisfying night for his players.
"I think that was our most difficult game of the season," Barton said. "I think that’s the first time a team has come with the intention of making the night very difficult for us.
"They had a gameplan and it was to be condensed in the central areas. They didn’t give us much space behind to penetrate. It was very much a counter-attacking and hope for a mistake from us kind of strategy from them
"They’re always difficult. I thought when we scored the goal early in the second half I thought that would maybe bring them out a little bit, but it didn't. They stayed in there and I can understand with the league position they are in and with an interim manager who will probably want to keep the job but if he gets three, four or five on him, it might lessen his chances and also their position in the league is under threat. It could well come down to goal difference.
"So I totally understand it. The main thing for us was getting the three points and I thought we showed a real level of professionalism today in making sure we got the job done."
Barton is blessed with several match-winners in his side, with Antony Evans and Aaron Collins conjuring big contributions in recent weeks, and Anderson is another player in that category.
Barton said he would have paid to watch Anderson's performance alone, such was the quality on show from the young Geordie.
"We knew it was going to be difficult," Barton said. "We said it might take until the last kick of the game, which we’ve done in previous games. Whichever way this group has managed to find a way to win a game and that is a unique quality.
"It’s a quality that you want to have in your football team. The match-winner today was young Elliot Anderson. I’d have paid to watch him tonight. He was that good.
"I think to get the goal early in the second half just caps a wonderful individual performance. But also a young player growing into the shirt and as I say we’re delighted to have him."
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