John Ward believes his Bristol Rovers side deserved their late victory in The FA Cup on Wednesday at Crawley Town.
Two late goals from Eliot Richards and John-Joe O’Toole in the final ten minutes spun the match on its head after Jamie Proctor had given the hosts the lead during the first-half – and The Pirates will now face Birmingham City at St Andrews in The Third Round on Tuesday.
Ward said: “We had to be patient in the first half, when I don’t think we played well enough even though we had what were probably the best two chances.
“We needed to step up in the second half and we did that, after a chat at half time, and looked a little bit more positive. We found the goals and pulled off a win I felt we deserved.”
Crawley boss John Gregory said Bristol Rovers deserved to win
Ward was delighted with his sides performance and is now looking forward to locking horns with Championship opposition.
He said: “I was really pleased with our fitness levels and the way the boys went about their task.
“The work rate and the strength of the team in the second half was particularly good and we were positive we could get back in the game.
“We had a good go and now we face Birmingham in the next round on Tuesday which is, if you like, their treat.
“We had to play the conditions as well as a team some 30 odd places above us in terms of league positions and it’s been a really good effort from my boys.”
Crawley manager John Gregory agreed with his Rovers counterpart. “Very disappointing and we got what we deserved on the night.
“Bristol Rovers played better than us and they deserved the victory.”
