Byron Anthony hopes Rovers can build on Tuesday's cup win over Crystal Palace with three points against Crewe Alexandra.

The former Cardiff City defender tucked away the winning penalty in Tuesday night's Carling Cup triumph, extending the club's lengthy unbeaten run in competitive matches.

The Pirates return to League One action on Saturday afternoon, with the Railwaymen set to prove another stern test for Paul Trollope's side.

"It was a good start to the season away to Port Vale, who are a decent team and typical of this division," Byron told bristolrovers.co.uk, "Crystal Palace is over now, and we look forward to Crewe and hopefully getting the first three points on the board to keep us at the right end of the table from the start.

"Port Vale are well established in League One, they don't seem to get involved at either end of the table, but they were a good team. We caused them problems, they caused us problems, but we took a point and going into Crewe with the fans behind us hopefully we can kick on with a win.

"When you step up a league you always face better players and although you get more time on the ball you have to concentrate more when you don't have it.

"But there's a real togetherness in the dressing room, banter is always flying amongst the lads, Trolls and Lennie as well, and it helps make a for a great atmosphere. During training, before training, after training, we're all together and it's nice to be a part of it."

Rovers haven't lost a league or cup fixture since the Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat back in April, a fact Byron says isn't something the players think about.

"Statistics are for the media and the fans, we're just thinking about each game and the next game and trying to win it," he said, "It's Crewe now and it's vitally important to get three points."

The draw for the second round of the Carling Cup could see Rovers land a plum tie against Premier League opposition, and Byron is looking forward to another year of cup successes.

"We seem to do well in the cup games," he said, "And now a year on from going out to Luton at the same stage of the Carling Cup this time we've taken it one step further.

"We had chances and they had chances on Tuesday, and as both teams tired I think there were more chances at either end. We had to dig our heels in during extra time, but we ultimately knocked a team out that's a league above us.

"Palace knocked the ball around well in the first half, but we did well in the second half and took the momentum into extra time where I think it was quite even, and then we polished them off on penalties."

Rovers only needed four penalties to knock the Selhurst Park club out of the competition, and it was Byron that scored the decisive kick.

"It was decided right after the game who would take penalties, and people volunteered if they wanted to take one," he said, "The boys were quick enough to put their hands up and I put my hand up for the fourth one - and luckily enough it turned out to be the winner!

"In the back of my mind I knew it could have been the winning penalty, but I was just concentrating on putting it in the back of the net and then celebrating afterwards."