Steven Schumacher was happy just to find a way to win as his side eked out another precious three points in the play-off race, writes Pete Oliver.
Wanderers made it back-to-back 1-0 victories as they overcame a stubborn Bristol Rovers side thanks to an Aaron Collins goal against his former club.
It was far from vintage stuff on a tense afternoon but Schumacher was only concerned with the outcome as his players again dug in to record another clean sheet and match Reading’s result from earlier in the day and re-claim a top-six spot.
“We found a way to win another game of football, which at this stage of the season is really important,” said the Whites’ head coach. “It wasn't an easy game. We knew Rovers would make it difficult for us.
“The whole performance was a bit flat, the game was a bit flat, there wasn't loads of atmosphere, but we found a way to win, so in the end, I’m delighted with another good three points and at this stage it puts us back into the top six.
“That's all we care about. We can put the brilliant performance to one side and just focus on the result today.”
Rovers – who beat Wanderers in the reverse meeting less than a month ago – looked as though a point may be the limit of their ambitions as they battled to end a run of four straight losses in their fight to beat the drop.
But Collins’ 18th goal of the season and one outstanding save from Nathan Baxter to deny substitute Luke Thomas a possible equaliser denied them that as Wanderers capitalised on the first of two home games in four days to hold onto a play-off place with six games to go.
“The clean sheet is really important,” added Schumacher. “I know Bristol didn't have loads of chances, but the one opportunity that they did have from a really good cross and a really good connection from the header was a brilliant save by Nath, so fair play to him for that because we'd just gone ahead.
“And the goal that we scored was probably from our moment of best quality as well. Jay Matete found a lovely bit of space after Chris Forino regained the ball for us and he plays a nice pass for Gethin, again two lads who come off the bench.
“Gethin put in a ball which was perfect, and the two centre-forwards moved the way they needed to and Collo's put it away, so one moment of quality was all it took.”
Wanderers suffered one blow as defender Will Forrester was forced off with an early hamstring injury which will need to be assessed. Wide man Szabi Schön also missed out through injury but there was a popular return via the bench for Kyle Dempsey after more than five months out with injury.
“It’s brilliant to have Kyle back and we all gave him a big round of applause in the dressing room afterwards,” Schumacher told Wanderers TV. “He's been brilliant, I must say, since he's joined training with the main group.
“Every day you can see him getting fitter and sharper, and everyone knows how good of a player he is so to have another member of the squad here to keep us stronger, we're delighted.”
Watch the full post-match interview with the head coach on Wanderers TV