Bristol Rovers boss Barton has praise for ex-Lions frontman Marquis as second-half double downs Charlton
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton praised John Marquis after the former Millwall striker came off the bench to do the damage in their 2-1 win at Charlton Athletic this afternoon.
Marquis had been lined up by the Addicks as in incoming deal in the summer transfer window but Ben Garner, appointed from Swindon, vetoed the move.
Instead the 30-year-old, a free agent after leaving Lincoln, signed for the Gas in July.
Marquis twice ruthlessly punished lapses by Ryan Inniss to deepen Charlton’s misery. They are six matches without a victory in League One and in serious danger of getting dragged into a survival fight.
Barton said: “He [Marquis] has worked his backside off to stay in the group and his attitude has been first class. Now he looks a real menace and complementing that with Coburn and Collins, we have got a strikeforce that is as good as any in the division.
“Credit to John, his pressing, workrate, composure and calm finishing have ultimately been the difference between the Gas not winning here since 1958 and the Gas winning here today – 62 years. It’s another bit of history for our group.
“I’m buzzing for everyone who came out with the train strikes, freezing and the doubts about whether the game was on. The Gasheads have turned up in their numbers and I’m so pleased we gave them that win that has been long overdue at The Valley.
“We were the better side first half. They started ever so well and had us on the back foot. We wanted to make changes a lot earlier but felt the best time was half-time or just after, so if they did respond to it, it would be too late. That’s how it transpired.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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