Grant Ward has paid tribute to the fans who made the midweek trip to Millwall and saw Town edge to victory in a seven-goal thriller.

Ward, 22, said: “It was a good game and an exciting game to play in. Obviously, there were a lot of ups and downs but it was nice to come back with a win.

“I’m sure the supporters were having fun and so were we as players. It was a game to get the heart rate going but it was enjoyable. It’s clearly better when you look back on it as a game you won rather than lost.

“The fans were in great voice and I want them to know how much we appreciate their backing. They make a big difference. You can feel the energy they generate when you’re on the pitch, whether it’s good or bad, and we had a great support on Tuesday.

“The top section of the stand behind the goal was full, which was great to see. If something bad happens and you hear a groan it’s something that registers with players, just as when the place is buzzing and you can feel that as well.

“You are focusing on the game and if there’s negative chanting, which we heard last season, you try to turn it off. But you can still hear it. If we can keep up this start to the season we know we can count on the fans to back us and that will be important against Brentford on Saturday.

“It’s never good to come off the pitch when you haven’t won — that’s the main thing for me. Compared to last season we are creating a lot more chances and I know it’s early on still, but the signs are encouraging and we’re looking to score more goals and win more games.”

Ex-Tottenham player Ward, who made such a spectacular debut when he came on at half-time and proceeded to score a second-half hat-trick in last season’s opening-day 4-2 win over Barnsley, also praised the contribution of new strikers Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn, the pair claiming five league goals between them in Town’s impressive, 100 per cent start to the new campaign.

He added: “Right now we have a very attacking team and I know that when we get forward we can score goals. It’s always good to have strikers you can depend on to get you goals and that’s we have in the team at the moment.

“Garns and Waggy have added something new and having them on board can only help us. They have only been here a short time but you could tell straight away that they would get goals. They are poachers, they know where to be and hopefully they will keep scoring.”

Ward had two assists at The Den, first providing the low cross to the near post for Waghorn to fire Town 2-1 ahead and then swinging in the 88th minute freekick that saw Jordan Spence clinch all three points with an unstoppable header.

“What I remember for Waggy’s first goal was that I held it up for a bit because we didn’t have too many people in the box,” the Londoner said.

“I knew Martyn would make that run because he’s a smart striker and he did well to get on the end of it and finish. It was the perfect run and a lot of goals are scored at the near post. Even if it had been a bad cross and it had gone to the near post Martyn would have been there to score.

“I didn’t really feel any pressure when I took the freekick late on. I know if I get it right I can put a good ball in and I was confident about taking it. I know from what we do in training that if the delivery is good someone will usually get on the end of it.

“So I was thinking it was a good chance for us to score again — and Jordan proved me right.”

Photo: TWTD

BlueHarwich added 15:21 - Aug 17 Big fan of Ward, and at 22 he's only going to get better.
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Morgan added 15:32 - Aug 17 Enjoying the start to the season very much. Ward comes across like a good professional with a wise outlook. The atmosphere was starting to become toxic and understandably in some areas but I hope we are through that now and PR is a fun place to visit again. It shows the difference that some investment has made. I think it also goes to show that Mick is a better manager in this division that he possibly gets credit for when you look at how he worked for two years with scraps and didn't moan once about it and now he has a little quality you can see a change in direction. But rather than be devisive I would like to say it's great that the club are rebuilding bridges with the supporters with some of their decision making and the manager has been backed with recruitment. Early days and the fixtures have been kind but all we can do is get as many points on the board as possible and after 4 games it's been a near perfect start. Feel good factor returning

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Europablue added 15:38 - Aug 17 The away fans are always in good voice, hopefully the home fans will make some noise and the players will give us something to shout about on Saturday.
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Bluebell added 16:04 - Aug 17 The fans have something to sing about this season with the great football that is being played. He sounds very mature for a 22 year old. He showed his skill last season especially when he was playing alongside Skuse in the mid-field. Having strikers who can get on the ball and score from his passes or set pieces is showing what a good player he is. Last year with the ball being hoofed up from the back he struggled to get to the ball half the time. Playing it on the ground now is showing what the team can do!

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BlueandTruesince82 added 16:34 - Aug 17 Ward gave us glimpses last year. What we need this season is to see that more consistently. He's clearly a fine player and a 22 can become a huge cog in the ITFC wheel
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dirtyboy added 16:34 - Aug 17 I forget how young Ward is at 22...
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tractorkent added 18:19 - Aug 17 I thought Ward played with great composure in the centre of the park,it seems we have 4 or five playmakers now.Brilliant stuff!!!
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TractorBeezer added 18:45 - Aug 17 Bluebell, I agree with most of what you said although we did resort to a bit of hoofin' in the second half. Under the circumstances with a shortage of defenders that is forgivable! What a fantastic start!
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