‘Absolutely outstanding’ - Joey Barton’s assessment after Bristol Rovers v Port Vale

Bristol Rovers got back to winning ways in League One after they cruised past Port Vale.

Joey Barton’s side won 3-0 at the Memorial Stadium with goals from Luke McCormick, Jack Hunt and Jevani Brown.

The Gas kept their first home clean sheet in the league this campaign, an important milestone for Barton’s side.

“People are tasked with putting on the jersey and pushing performances,” said Barton.

“As a group they were absolutely outstanding and grew as the game went on.”

Rovers took the lead just before the half hour mark as McCormick scored his second league goal of the season.

The Gas then doubled their lead just before the interval as right fullback Hunt scored a volley from inside the box, which would have made any forward proud.

“It hasn’t been ideal preparation from Saturday into the game today,” said Barton.

“We’ve had a bit of nonsense to clear out. Accepting mediocracy will not happen on my on my watch at this football club.”

Rovers finished the game off strongly as Brown scored his first goal of the season and in some style, as he curled the ball into the top corner, which left goalkeeper Connor Ripley starstruck.

Following Saturday’s defeat away at Peterborough United, Barton was impressed with his team’s reaction.

“Just look at the performance and the result tonight from the lads that took to the pitch, I thought standards were excellent tonight and we must now maintain that.”

“My intention is to give the Gasheads the best football team that they’ve seen this century.”

Victory for Rovers moved them up to 12th in the League One table, with a trip to high flying Oxford United up next.

The U’s currently sit second in the division and Barton knows his side must be on top form if they are to come away with any points.

“We’ve got to keep working incredibly hard to better that performance.

“Oxford have had a great start under Liam Manning, they’re a fantastic team, we have got to go there 12:30 on Saturday. We have a good following with us and we have to give a fantastic account of ourselves.”