MATTY Taylor revealed the abuse from Bristol Rovers fans only fuelled his motivation to score against his former club.

The Oxford United striker has been a hate figure among some Pirates supporters since his move from the Memorial Stadium to bitter rivals Bristol City in January 2017.

There was plenty of hostility directed Taylor’s way from the moment he emerged to warm up, but he took just 11 minutes to open the scoring in the Emirates FA Cup first round tie.

The 31-year-old also provided the assist for Marcus McGuane in the 2-2 draw, setting up another date with Rovers in next Tuesday’s replay.

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Taylor had not scored in front of Pirates fans since leaving the club, so his strike was a sweet moment.

He said: “I was expecting a bit of volatility, so it was nice to get a goal.

“I’ve said before I enjoyed my time there immensely and made friends for life, that’s tarnished with a few fans.

“There’s a few that step over the line with a few chants and that spurs me on to make sure I score.”

Taylor cupped his ear towards the away section after finding the net and revealed the reason behind it.

He said: “That’s kind of for the people who step over the line with their remarks.

“I’ve got massive respect for the real fans, but there are obviously some idiots that say stupid things and it's going to rile you up."

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Taylor has found the net six times in his last eight games, with his latest strike making him United’s outright top-scorer this season with seven.

His opener was equalised by Sam Finley in first-half stoppage-time, but the No 9 then set up McGuane’s effort after the break.

Taylor also hit the post twice, moments after Mark Sykes had struck the crossbar, only for Antony Evans to level from the penalty spot three minutes from time after Jamie Hanson fouled Aaron Collins.

It was a busy afternoon for the striker, who was booked before diving in just after referee Paul Howard blew for half-time.

On the yellow card, he said: “I’ve backed in and he’s dipped his head and headed my shoulder.

“They’ve sprinted in saying I’ve elbowed him.

“The other one probably was a yellow and that one wasn’t.”