Our backs-to-the-wall mentality vital – Syers

High-flying Rovers’ have won seven of their last 10 League One outings on the road and have lost just once away this term, at Yeovil on September 1.

Ex-Bradford City midfielder Syers, who netted a last-gasp winner in their 2-1 Roses’ success at Oldham on Boxing Day, insists it is a record of which they are proud.

He said: “I just think we are a big, strong physical side who are all in it together, really.

“That ‘backs-to-the-wall’ feeling when you go away from home almost helps us. Also at home, I think the onus is on you, not just to win, but outplay the opposition and win well while away from home, whichever way it comes, three points is a great achievement and we have shown we can battle, scrap and fight.

“It was great to hit back after the Coventry game with a win. When we have had disappointing results and have lost games, we have hit back very well in reacting to bad performances and that is the sign of a good team and hopefully one who will be up there at the end of the season.”

Preston showed exactly those same battling characteristics in beating Rovers 3-1 at the Keepmoat in October.

Syers added: “That was a very disappointing game from our point of view. We were second best and outfought. They outbattled us all over the pitch, which we have not been used to.

“We need to go out there and show them it was a one-off on our part and that we are better than that.”