Ben Garner relieved after earning his first victory as Bristol Rovers boss
Posted Sunday, February 16, 2020 by PA
Ben Garner was a relieved man after seeing the storm clouds over the Memorial Stadium lifted by Josh Ginnelly’s 84th-minute winner in Bristol Rovers’ 2-1 victory over 10-man Blackpool.
The substitute deflected a Jonson Clarke-Harris shot past Chris Maxwell to give the manager his first victory since taking charge of Rovers in December.
Blackpool’s first game with David Dunn as temporary boss had begun well when Connor Ronan’s second-minute cross was smashed home by Gary Madine.
But Ben Heneghan received a 43rd-minute red card for a sliding challenge from behind on Clarke-Harris and the visitors were also hit by a stunning 73rd-minute strike from Rovers defender Alfie Kilgour, who equalised from 35 yards before Ginnelly’s winner.
So, while Storm Dennis continued to wreak havoc, Garner was all sunshine and smiles at his post-match press conference after his club ended a run of 14 matches without a win.
He said: “Of course, the overriding feeling at the final whistle was relief. We haven’t been getting what we deserved from games and today we won without playing well.
“I lost my temper for the first time at the interval because we were even getting the basics wrong. One of the players I had a dig at was Alfie Kilgour and I asked him for a response.
“I was right behind his shot and knew it was in from the moment it left his foot. I’m also pleased for Josh Ginnelly because we have been encouraging him to get in more scoring positions.
“It was a clear sending-off. I think their player lost his footing, but it ended up being a dangerous challenge on Jonson Clarke-Harris.
“I certainly won’t forget Storm Dennis. Even at the end allowed them a clear chance, which thankfully ended with a great save from Jamal Blackman.”
Dunn praised Blackpool’s players, despite the result.
“The sending-off changed the game, but in the end we have lost to a worldie strike and a fluke,” he said.
“I can’t fault the lads in any way. When it was 11 against 11 we were in control and even after going down to 10 men we kept our shape and limited them to very few chances.
“The tackle for the sending-off didn’t look great but Ben said he slipped and I thought the ref might have issued a yellow card.
“It isn’t your day when a centre-back scores a goal like their first. He won’t get many more like that.
“I am happiest being a coach on the training ground and from the club’s perspective I hope a new manager is appointed as soon as possible.
“Until then I am more than happy to continue. I enjoyed the experience, but obviously the result has left us all disappointed.”
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