Steve Phillips said Rovers were back to their defensive best on Tuesday evening in their Carling Cup victory over Championship side Crystal Palace.

The Pirates goalkeeper made a number of fine saves during 120 minutes of football, and was only beaten once in the penalty shoot-out that ultimately separated the two teams.

But Steve was quick to praise the four players in front of him after the midweek victory, and hopes to see the form continue as the 2007/08 campaign continues.

"It was nice to win and get through, especially after last year when we got done on penalties against Luton," Steve told bristolrovers.co.uk, "I thought the lads played very well and we deserved to win.

"They edged it in the first half, but they're a good side in the Championship pushing hard for a Premier League place. We knew that and knew it wasn't going to be an easy game, and to go a goal down from a pretty special free-kick was hard to take on the balance of play.

"He was only about 22 or 23 yards out and he's managed to get it up and over the wall with pace and into the top corner. You just can't do anything about that, you've just got to hold your hands up.

"They probably did edge the opening 45 minutes, and it meant we had to come out in the second half and nick a goal, which we did, and we need to take credit and confidence for coming back against a very good side. They did have a few missing, but the 11 players they had out there wouldn't have looked out of place in the Championship.

"From a defensive point of view, we help each other out, we're a good unit and we look pretty solid. We're very pleased that we've got back to our old selves after a pretty horrendous pre-season at times.

"We're glad to be back doing the things we're good at, I managed to save a few, Steve and Byron managed to block a few, and all together we're a good team."

Although the win meant a lot to the players, Steve was pleased for the loyal supporters who turned up in their thousands.

"It was a super night, you saw the fans out there and I thought they were absolutely tremendous," he said, "It's part of why I love playing for this football club, and that goes for everybody really.

"The fans have been different class since I've been here, the club's on the move, I said that in the middle of last season and now we've just beaten a very good side. Now hopefully we'll get the reward of a good draw in the next round, but not Bristol City, we don't want to beat them again!"