‘Magnificent’ - Andy Mangan’s verdict on Northampton Town victory

Bristol Rovers defeated Northampton Town 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium in Andy Mangan’s first game in charge as caretaker boss, following the sacking of manager Joey Barton.

The Gas took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, as Chris Martin’s delightful flick at the near post trickled into the back of Lee Burge’s net, for his second goal for the club.

Antony Evans doubled Mangan’s side’s lead from the penalty spot on half an hour, as Aaron Collins was brought down by Burge as he beat the keeper to the ball.

Northampton pulled one back just before the hour, as Manny Monthe’s header was too quick for Matt Cox, following a Mitch Pinnock free-kick.

Mangan was full of praise for his side’s performance at full-time.

“First-half, after the initial 10 minutes with both teams jostling for possession, I thought we were magnificent,” said Mangan.

“It feels really good as you can imagine, after the week that we have had.”

With former manager Barton relieved off his duties only on Thursday, it has been tough few days for the club.

“Obviously it’s been a complete shock and then you get thrown into it, but to come away with the 2-1 victory, everyone should be really proud of themselves.”

Martin scored his second in as many games for Rovers, with victory moving the team up to 13th in the league table.

“I think the players should take an awful lot of credit, the staff as well, they’ve performed to the maximum and we’ve come away with the three points.”

The Cobblers made it very tricky for Mangan’s side, who had to dig deep in order to get over the line.

“They get the goal and then the onslaught comes, the weather comes but the lads should take great credit knowing that they have defended superbly well today.

“I thought we kept the ball ever so well, players playing with lots of confidence and then in the second-half, its usual stuff in football, we’ve got to be braver and we’ve got to be miles better.”

The victory for the Gas saw them move on to 19 points after 14 games played.

“Delighted, so proud of the players because even after the first-half, to then go and show a different sides of themselves in the second-half, they should be really, really proud of themselves,” said Mangan.

FA Cup first-round action is up next for the Gas, as they welcome seventh-tier Whitby Town to the Mem next weekend.