Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton hailed Elliot Anderson again after victory over Salford City.

In what is quickly becoming his trademark technique, on-loan Newcastle winger Anderson cut in from the left flank before blasting home to keep the Gas firmly in a League Two playoff place.

"We were always aware it was going to be a tight game," Barton told BristolLive. "It just shows how much improvement we and Salford have made since the first half of the season.

"We knew it was going to be a tricky game and we knew it might have been one goal that decides it. When we've got some of the players we've got, we can open the door and that's Elliot on this occasion. You always feel confident and that you've got a chance.

"I thought the group effort has been exceptional all year, but particularly today with the lads who came off the bench. Luke Thomas has been working hard to get himself back into contention. He plays a lovely ball to Elliot. He'll get an assist for it but I think young Bill (Anderson) needs to take a little bit more credit."