Pirates Players Talk About The United Match

Last updated : 21 September 2007 By Thetashkentterror
Gas defender Steve Elliott
Experienced Bristol Rovers centre-half Steve Elliott spoke to the Bristol Evening Post about the game against Carlisle at Brunton Park tomorrow, Elliott commenting on previous away days :


"We've had some nice hotels so far this season, and that does make a difference when you've got a long away trip. I remember going to play at Grimsby a while ago. Craig Hinton and I went into our room to find the ceiling had caved in! It does make a difference to your preparations when you've got a nice place, nice food and comfortable surroundings.

"We went up to Carlisle for an FA Cup replay and the coach broke down - twice - which wasn't the nicest journey. We've been up there and won before, although it's always a difficult place to go. It's usually pretty windy and quite cold.

"In a way, you'd like another game as quickly as possible after you've lost. But we've had a good week's training and have worked on some of the aspects of our game we felt needed addressing. We're feeling confident and we've been doing well away from home.

"We were obviously disappointed to lose against Leeds, but the feeling we got back from the management and people around the place was that we'd played some decent stuff and were just a bit unlucky not to get a goal at the right time. I'd like to contribute and try and chip in with a few goals again this season. As soon as I get off the mark, I'll set myself a target."




Meanwhile 29-year old goalkeeper Steve Phillips, who spent nine years in the red half of the City at Ashton Gate told the Post :

"We need to take lessons on board before we play Carlisle because certainly a couple of the goals we conceded against Leeds were avoidable. We've looked back on them since and we weren't pleased with the ease with which they scored. Hopefully we have learned lessons from it.

"The difference between sides in League One and League Two is that in League Two, a striker would probably have missed Leeds' first goal completely and the overhead kick for their third would probably have ended up in the stand. At this level, half-chances like that are stuck away.

"There are no bad sides in this division, although some might be a bit easier to beat than others. But we need to punish teams when we get on top and be more ruthless in front of goal, especially against the better sides. It's about making the right decisions which can sometimes lead to a tap-in.

"Our unbeaten run was bound to end at some time and there was no disgrace losing to a team like Leeds because they defended well and stuck their chances away. Though we got punished for a few lapses, it's not as though we are going into the Carlisle game on the back of a bad performance by any stretch of the imagination. The lads are still full of confidence."



Welsh international midfielder David Pipe was talking to the official Rovers website when he spoke about trying to force his way back into the side after some recent stomach problems :

"There are two people fighting for every position, so there's a lot for competition for your place. Sammy Igoe has come in and he's got the shirt now, and it's up to me to work hard to try and get it back. I came on for fifteen minutes or so the other night and felt ok, I've trained all week and I actually feel sharper than before. Maybe the rest has even done me some good.

"I'm not sure what it was yet, because the test results haven't come back. But basically I was getting bad stomach cramps and then I woke up the morning of the game and I couldn't even eat. Before it all happened I was happy with how things were going, I was playing well and starting games. So I'm gutted to be out of the team now, and I'm determined to get back in.

"Kevin Gall has been one of my best mates, we played in the under-21s together, and his dad used to coach me when I was young. We haven't spoken for a little while because of the distance, but it will be good seeing him and catching up. As for the match itself we'll be going there confident, and after our away performances so far this season we'll be looking for another good result."