Defences hold firm in trapdoor tussle

This was a result that neither side wanted, but both would take. Defeat for either Plymouth Argyle or Dagenham and Redbridge would have put a sizable dent into their quest to avoid the fall off the Football League precipice, but nobody was about to relinquish any ground at Home Park.

It was a frustrating afternoon for everyone involved, the players who had been training in the hope of grasping a season changing win, and the fans, for whom the match had been billed as the biggest of the season. In hindsight, after Saturday's dour displays, it should simply have been the biggest of the season yet.

It was the home side, unbeaten in three and coming off the back of a morale boosting 4-0 win at Accrington, who edged an even first half, before running much of the second, striking the left-hand upright twice within a minute.

The game was low on quality and high on ball trajectory, containing all the hallmarks of a match between two teams fighting for their lives, a scenario that Pilgrims boss Carl Fletcher had predicted in the build up:

"We knew it was going to be scrappy," said the rookie manager. "We spoke all week that we were going to have to earn the right to play and scrap away, and that it was going to be an ugly game.

"We were well aware what was coming and that we had to be patient and, to be fair, the lads have done everything but score a goal. We had three great chances in the first half, hit the post in the twice in the second half and the keeper has pulled off a couple of saves."

But, above all, Fletcher defined the synopsis for his battling squad: "It was vital that we didn't lose; that was a big one for us."

Trepidation was the word of the day and fractured nerves were on show, Maxime Blanchard gave away an early free kick after fouling Jon Nurse 25 yards out; Matt Saunders shot from the resultant dead ball too weak to really trouble Argyle custodian Jake Cole

Nick Chadwick had the first notable effort from open play, blazing over with a sweeping shot following a low cross from the right, owing to a frustrating opening period for the bullish striker who, along with partner Alex MacDonald, found the assistant referee's flag the most challenging opponent.

The advertising hoardings behind either goal were seeing more of the ball than the keepers gloves, Greens captain Paul Wotton dragging a long range drive off target, Nurse failing to get enough purchase on his header, glancing Damien McCrory's left-wing cross wide of the goal for the Daggers.

With the break swiftly approaching, Conor Hourihane wasted the best opportunity of the lot for the Pilgrims. In a situation similar to Chadwick's early profligate strike, the Irish midfielder produced the same end result, skying the ball into the swathes of empty seats between the home and away fans, all the while under little defensive pressure.

When referee Dean Whitestone blew to resume the game, Argyle began to take the initiative. Within seconds of the restart Hourihane had another chance to put the Devon club into the lead, though his final shot was hit straight at debutant Jonathan Bond.

Brian Woodall's effort soared into his own fans at the other end, but it proved only seconds of respite as Ashley Hemmings and Robbie Williams both tried their luck for Plymouth, though their gambles did not pay off.

Each side made only two of their allotted substitutions, but it was Argyle's Luke Daley who had the biggest impact. He and Marcus Bignot attempted to work a move on the right-hand side of the penalty area, and though Dagenham broke it up, the ball squirmed into Daley's path, catching the visiting defence on the back foot and almost resulting in the lead, the wingers prod cannoning off the post.

Not 50 seconds had passed before the woodwork was rattling again. Williams, running on to a half cleared corner, could not have caught his left foot drive any sweeter, though neither could it have hit the post more emphatically.

Bond still had to be on hand to tip two further long range strikes round the post - MacDonald and Williams the players once again denied - the game finally petering out with a host of free kicks during the four minutes of stoppage time, leaving both teams frustrated, but Dagenham feeling slightly better of the two, even though they remain the team propping up the Football League.

John Still underlined Plymouth's recent results, while also sticking to his philosophy on playing the game.

"They've been on a decent run of form and they're a big club, regardless of their league position," said Still, "but we stuck at it and worked hard."

"They had two good efforts in the second half that hit the post without putting us under any sustained pressure. We never try to draw, the changes we made were to bring on attacking players. We want to remain positive."

Second half double seals Rovers win

Just as the Bristol Rovers squad deserve praise for their 2-1 victory over Morecambe on Saturday, the Memorial Stadium ground staff deserve their own acclaim for beating the freezing West Country temperatures and making sure the match went ahead.

Head groundsman Richard Allsworth and his team worked throughout the nights building up to the game to keep an eye on the playing surface. Both frost and rain covers protected the turf, while hot air blowing heaters aided the efforts to keep the pitch supple for the Lancastrians visit.

Their labours were duly rewarded as the Pirates pushed on from a dour first half performance to send Jim Bentley's charges on the four hour return journey with nothing to bare.

The game finally opened up in the 57th minute, Lee Brown tapping in from close range; Scott McGleish making it two with a penalty. Substitute Kevin Ellison thrashed in a late goal which, despite continuous late pressure from the visitors, ended as nothing more than a consolation.

It could have been a very different game had Morecambe made their first half forays into the Rovers penalty area count, journeyman forward Jason Price scuffing a shot after just 30 seconds following a defensive lapse.

Phil Jevons, the subject of derisive howls from the home support due to his association with their cross-city rivals, was the next to threaten the hosts' goal. Cian Bolger mistimed a header, allowing Jevons to rush in and clip an effort over the indecisive Michael Poke, though he was left in visible anguish as his shot struck the right hand upright.

Pirates skipper Matt Gill blazed a thumping volley over the top as his side attempted to gain a foothold in the match.

McGleish forced Chris Kettings into a full stretch save, pushing the ball onto the post, before Gill wasted another opportunity, hitting wide after the visiting custodian fumbled when challenged by the boisterous McGleish.

There was an increase in quality from the off in the second half, most notably from the home side who switched from 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 formation, bringing the desired effect soon enough.

Eliot Richards, a first half replacement for Joe Anyinsah, went on a marauding run down the right flank, cutting inside and beating three defenders in one move. The 20 year old proceeded to send a teasing low cross goalwards, Matt Harrold flicking the ball towards the back post where Brown was on hand to emphatically hammer into the roof of the net from a yard out.

Fifteen minutes from time the lead went from one to two via the penalty spot. Rovers broke and former Shrimper Craig Stanley played debutant substitute Matthew Lund into the penalty area, the Stoke loanee turning back on Danny Carlton, only to be dragged down by the arm.

Despite missing his previous spot kick in an FA Cup tie with Aston Villa, McGleish kept his cool to slam home his ninth goal of the season, his first as a starting player since November.

Looking to see out the match, the home side were playing five in midfield, but none of the quartered quintet were at fault for the Morecambe goal. Cian Bolger swiped at fresh air, allowing Jordan Burrow to sprint towards Poke who saved his initial drive, but could do no more than parry it into the path of Ellison to ruthlessly thunder a goal back.

It was Ellison who came closest to claiming an undeserved point for the travellers, unleashing a stinging volley that Poke had to be one hand to tip over the bar, sending the ground staff away with an unseasonably warm feeling inside.

Careless Mistakes Costly For Luckless Rovers

Rovers hapless holiday period was compounded with a 2-0 defeat away to relegation rivals Barnet in North London.

The Pirates wasted numerous chances at the end of the first period before capitulating at the end of the second; Izale McLeod's 15th of the season and Clovis Kamdjo bagging the points that bring the Bees level on points with Rovers.

Sunday's loan signings, goalkeeper Michael Poke and central defender Aaron Downes both took up immediate places in the starting 11 while Eliot Richards replaced Joe Anyinsah, playing in a central midfield role alongside Andy Dorman in Paul Buckle's 4-1-4-1 formation.

The manager's situation continues to look extremely precarious, with just two points taken from the last possible 24. The only two victories since October have come against non-league opposition in the FA Cup, but with Premier League Aston Villa coming up on Saturday, the cup run appears odds on to end.

Once the Gas fell behind on 69 minutes, the calls for the Buckle's head began ringing out from the travelling fans yet again, the mood amongst supporters leaving Buckle's position increasingly untenable.

The home side created the bulk of the first halves chances, though their profligate shooting prevented any breakthrough - Mark Marshall's swinging left foot sending the ball over the roof of Underhill's South Stand.

Poke, playing his first competitive game since August 2010, looked confident throughout the game, adeptly dealing with numerous crosses into his penalty area while also smothering the ball at the onrushing feet of McLeod.

Even though they had been under the cosh for much of the game, it was Rovers who ended the first period on top; captain-for-the-day Gary Sawyer testing Dean Brill's reactions with a forceful drive, which was only kept out by the former Luton keeper's fingertips.

Downes was then inches wide from a Mustapha Carayol corner; the winger's centre flew towards the far post, but the grey-haired centre back was unable to divert the ball past Brill.

When the players re-emerged from the tunnel for the second half, Matt Harrold was not among them, Scott McGleish, who spent over three years at Barnet earlier in his career, the replacement. The under-fire Buckle, however, retained the tactics from the first half.

Richards twice burst from midfield, but failed to net a fifth goal of the season with either attempt.

Minutes later the young Welshman was floored after Danny Senda attempted to kick clear a head high ball, catching Richards in the process. Unfortunately, referee Lee Collins waved away calls for a penalty before stopping play just seconds afterwards for Richards to receive treatment.

The Gas, now attacking down the infamous Underhill slope, then had the opportunity they had been waiting for, Chris Zebroski's pace allowing him to run free of a clutch of orange shirts. Left one-on-one with Brill, the 25 year old was unable to hit the back of the net, Brill falling to his left and clutching the striker's shot.

Soon enough the home side broke the deadlock, League 2 top scorer McLeod the inevitable source. Poke played a high ball upfield which was sent back by a Barnet touch towards Downes and Cian Bolger. Neither player took control of the situation, allowing the ball to bounce between them, where McLeod's fleet feet left them for dead.

The ball was still bouncing and the on-loan stopper darted off his line to lessen the angle, only to see McLeod dink the final shot over his head for the opener, meaning the forward is now three clear at the top of the fourth tier scoring charts.

The arrival of Joe Anyinsah, in place of Craig Stanley, made no impact on the game and, with ten minutes still to run, Barnet put the game beyond Rovers.

The Bees won a corner, which was taken short to Ricky Holmes. With the visiting defence caught off guard, the frontman advanced down the byline and laid the ball off for Kamdjo to thump over the line and add to Gashead's world of misery.

Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Hereford United: Chadwick Pen Earns Pilgrims A Point

Two late red cards marred a feisty relegation tussle between Plymouth Argyle and Hereford United, Nick Chadwick's late penalty rescuing a point for the Greens at Home Park.

The point keeps Argyle off the bottom of the table, though gaffer Carl Fletcher felt a more consistent performance could have resulted in three points.

"At times, in the first half, we were okay; at times we weren't. In the second half, we weren't and then we were. So it was up and down.

"Overall, I'm disappointed we didn't win at home because we want to win every home game we play but it's another big case that we didn't lose today.

"After going a goal behind, we came back well and possibly could have won, but, in terms of what we're looking at and what we want, it wasn't fully there."

The opening period was a largely drab affair, Chadwick forced Bulls stopper Adam Bartlett into a fine save early on, Yoann Arquin's spectacular scissor kick flashing inches wide for Hereford.

Durrell Berry looked on in horror after he sliced Delroy Facey's centre towards his own goal, the crossbar sparing the 19 year old's blushes.

67 minutes in, however, the travelling support did have something to cheer. Harry Pell found yards of space in the final third and burst into the penalty area, cutting the ball back for on loan Blackpool winger Tom Barkhuizen to give United the lead.

The Pilgrims were fighting hard for a way back into the game and were rewarded when Nicky Featherstone clattered substitute Warren Feeney in the area, former Bull Chadwick converting the 81st minute penalty.

Michael Townseend's crass fould ended Ashley Hemmings forthright run, earning the defender a second yellow card.

Feeney had two late opportunites to snatch the full quotient of points for the home side; initially forcing Adam Bartlett into an outstanding full-stretched save before sending a swivelling volley into the Green Army behind the goal.

Darren Purse still found the time to receive Argyle's ninth red card of the season after a dreadfully mistimed slide on Nathan Elder, though the 26 year old's breakdancing antics made the challenge look worse than it actually was.
Hereford boss Jamie Pitman left with his frustration increased following the low points return his side have garnered from their last few games, despite positive displays.

"We go into every game wanting to win it but obviously it was a big game given where both teams are in the league.

"Our last three performances previous to this one have not given us the rewards we have probably deserved.

"Today was another such case. To be fair to them, they have had a few chances but I think we were good value for the win."

On Song Gills Leave Rovers Crooning

Danny Kedwell netted two goals from the penalty spot as Gillingham continued their fine run of form, storming to a 4-1 win over Bristol Rovers at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

Andy Hessenthaler's side remain unbeaten in all of their eight games since the end of October, a sequence that has propelled the Kent side into the final League 2 play-off place and set up a third round FA Cup tie with Stoke.

The Gill's boss was pleased with the performance of his players in the emphatic win.

"I'm very happy, it was a good performance," Hessenthaler told the media. "We had tempo, desire and set the tone to get the crowd behind us.

"We thoroughly deserved to win the game, I'm absolutely delighted and once their lad got sent off we just saw the game out.

"We plugged away, and although it was a bit disruptive with [Andy] Frampton going off we tried to play in the right way and got the second goal at the right time."

Little over seven minutes in Lewis Montrose opened the scoring, nodding in Danny Jackman's left-wing cross with no Rovers defender in sight.

Joe Anyinsah tangled with Montrose, felling the midfielder in the area, setting Kedwell the task of doubling Gillingham's advantage.

Mustapha Carayol produced a neat finish to give the Pirates a fighting chance, but Jackson drove past the ball between Scott Bevan and his near post to restore the two goal cushion.

Cian Bolger swiped away Curtis Weston's legs with a quarter of an hour to go, earning himself a straight red card and allowing former Wimbledon striker Kedwell to slot home his sixth spot kick of the season.

Visiting manager Paul Buckle came out with a surprisingly positive outlook on Rovers' display, questioning referee Oli Langford's decision making throughout the heavy defeat.

"They had one goal for their troubles in the first half and then we had a penalty decision go against us which saw them double their advantage. I really don't think that one should have been awarded.

"That changed the game, because it gave them a two goal advantage. In the second half we came out and scored a great goal and we were on top, massively on top, at that stage of the game.

"However decisions change games and I don't think anything went for the players today and I'm bitterly disappointed for the team."

Tip-Top Town Represent Tough Test For Rovers

Bristol Rovers will host and in form Swindon Town at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday in League 2, hoping to put to bed the shortcomings that see them languishing in the lower reaches of the fourth tier, though they will have to put in the performance of the season to overcome the rocking Robins.

The form

Both sides come into the game on the back of excellent FA Cup victories, Rovers thrashing non-league AFC Totton 6-1, while Swindon caused a minor upset, dumping League 1 Colchester out to set up a home tie against Premiership Wigan in the third round.

The Wiltshire side are currently on a 13 game unbeaten run, inclusive of the whole of October and November, the most impressive of those results coming in the FA Cup first round, where they dismembered League 1 high-flyers Huddersfield 4-1 at the County Ground.

This stunning form has seen Swindon rise from 11th up to a comfotable 6th in the League 2 standings, as well as guiding them to the area final of the Johnstones' Paint Trophy with victory over table topping Southend. They will clash with Barnet over two legs for a place in the Wembley showpiece, potentially their second final at the national stadium in three seasons.

42 goals in 26 all matches to this point in the season makes them a sizable threat, though the scoring duties have been shared around in recent games, Algerian striker Mehdi Kerrouche is the leading marksman with eight for the season.

The key men

Despite his goalscoring prowess Kerrouche has started just one of Town's last five games, being substituted after just 26 minutes of the cup game at Colchester, as well as receiving some constructive criticism from his manager this week. Raffaele De Vita and Alan Connell have worked in rotation up front along with Birmingham loanee Jake Jervis.

A one time Rovers target under Paul Trollope's management, Jervis possesses a fine physique, standing at 6'3", while also being fleet of foot with the turf ahead of him. The additional tricky feet make the 20 year old a potent threat to any defence in League 2.

Joining at the back end of September means that only one of Jervis' 11 appearances has been on the losing side - that was his debut game away at Macclesfield - the four goals he has bagged in that time displaying his burgeoning talent.

If Rovers are able to keep Jervis and the rest of Swindon's dangermen at bay, then they will have to work their way past towering centre back Aden Flint to take the win.

The lanky defender, signed for an undisclosed fee from Alfreton Town at the turn of the year, has been a rock in the Robins defensive line, dominating the aerial duties when is called upon, leaving Paul Buckle with a tactical weight on his mind come match day.

The gaffer

If you don't know about the latest rider on Swindon's managerial roundabout, which rock have you been hiding under; the focal point for much of the media's coverage of Town this season has been ever-controversial boss Paolo Di Canio.

The County Ground hot seat is the Italian's first job in football management and, after battling through a rocky start, he seems to be coming good. Di Canio has produced a multinational squad containing Spaniards, Italians, an Algerian and even a Namibian, a rare sight in the British dominated bottom rung of the Football League.

The continental approach instilled into his squad is paying dividends, the Reds now playing an attractive brand of slick, passing football, the pace of the forwards and widemen a menace to opposing defences.

In-keeping with the former West Ham striker's character, there have been differences with players, the touchline dispute with Leon Clarke was well publicised at the time, and it is fair to say that opposing fans have centred their attention on Di Canio, often taking pressure away from his team inadvertently.

The history

The close proximity of the two clubs, both in terms of locale and league positions, has created a simmering rivalry, never more apparent than in recent seasons.

Every year since Swindon became the first Premier League era side to be relegated to the basement division, they and Rovers have met in league fixtures. Rickie Lambert scored a scorching 40 yard half volley at the Memorial Stadium that season to help Rovers into the play-offs, from which they were promoted.

The Robins have edged the record since then, winning four of the eight games, although the Gas did manage an emphatic double in 2009/10, thumping Swindon 3-0 at home before humiliating them 4-0 at the County Ground. Will Hoskins opened the scoring in last season's corresponding fixture, which ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.

Surprisingly, it may be Jeff Hughes that Rovers will miss the most. The midfielder, now with Notts County, had scored in each of the last four tussles between the clubs.

The verdict

Rovers will have to be on the top of their game to snatch all three points in this one; Swindon are riding on the crest of a wave. The Pirates will need to remain tight, compact and not get sucked in by Town's passing rhythm, while breaking incisively themselves.

Aden Flint will most likely monopolise the aerial challenges, so getting the ball out to Mustapha Carayol and Jo Anyinsah on the wings will be way forward.

Matt Ritchie's suspension will be a blow to Swindon, the wideman has scored seven this term, as well as creating numerous others. It may, however, open up a space in the centre midfield for Simon Ferry, who will need to be kept under wraps by his quartered counterparts - bringing Craig Stanley back into the side may be advisable.

Fifth Home Defeat Leaves Rovers Reeling

Bristol Rovers slumped to their first ever defeat to Barnet, going down 2-0 to the Londoner's at the Memorial Stadium and heaping pressure on manager Paul Buckle in the process.

Izale McLeod poked in the opener after 19 minutes before Mark Byrne finished the job, curling an effort around Scott Bevan with the final kick of the match.

The squad left the field to a chorus of 'we want Buckle out' from the home support, who are growing ever more tired of their sides inability to break down opposing sides, the manager taking the brunt of the criticism.

Two changes were made from the starting line-up that disposed of Corby in last weekends FA Cup tie; Matt Gill starting in central midfield while Joe Anyinsah replaced Scott McGleish, Chris Zebroski taking the veterans place up front, partnering Matt Harrold.

It was Zebroski who had the first chance on goal, prodding a right footed effort at Dean Brill's near post, though the goalkeeper was able to comfortably hold the ball in his arms.

McLeod's explosive pace was causing problems to the Rovers backline, the Gas lucky to escape without a red card after ten minutes. McLeod looked as though he was in behind after a ball over the top, only to be sent tumbling by last man Gary Sawyer 35 yards from goal, the referee's final decision lenient with the former Plymouth defender.

Matt Harrold headed against an upright from a Gill corner, but with the game an end-to-end affair it was the visitors who struck first with their own set-peice. Mark Byrne sent a corner towards the near post, Mark Hughes flicking the ball on before McLeod had the simple task of nodding over the line from two yards out.

Neither side was able to take a stranglehold on the game, both defences scrambling crosses out of their penalty areas. The only chances came from long range shots, Gill only yards away with one such dig on the turn, though he could only send the ball into the Rovers fans in the Blackthorn End.

Mark Marshall was a constant threat down the Barnet left, and early in the second half he found a yard of space to shoot, his final effort, however, was scuffed wide.

The home team were beginning to gain the ascendancy, yet still found themselves unable to break through. Full backs Danny Woodards and Lee Brown tried their luck from range, neither able to hit the target, while Mustapha Carayol snatched at a long distance strike which eventually bobbled comfortably to Brill.

With twenty minutes to go McGleish replaced Harrold, unfortunately the experienced forward was not to last long, falling heavily and eventually being replaced by Eliot Richards after a lengthy stoppage, leaving the field on a stretcher.

It was Richards who came closest of all to netting Rovers equaliser, hitting a stinging 30 yard half-volley that looked to be dipping goalwards. The back-peddling Brill, however, managed to tip the ball onto the crossbar, denying he youngster what would have been a stunning leveller.

Despite constant late pressure during the seven allocated minutes of stoppage time the gods looked against the Pirates. Sure enough, Byrne ended any hopes of a revival, beating Bevan from the edge of the box, leaving Buckle with the weight of the world on his shoulders as Rovers go into next Saturday's clash with league leaders Southend.

Rovers End Saturday Curse

Bristol Rovers won a Saturday home game for the first time in eight months, beating Dagenham & Redbridge 2-0 at the Memorial Stadium.

The visitors survived a goal mouth scramble in the opening period but could not hold out in the second, Joe Anyinsah mopping up from close range on 50 minutes before Matt Harrold scored a penalty in stoppage time.

Rovers third game in eight days saw manager Paul Buckle under pressure to set straight a run of four defeats from the last five, a segment of the fanbase already calling for his head after Tuesday's 3-0 home defeat to Port Vale.

In light of the previous two defeats Buckle reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, giving Mustapha Carayol his first start since October 1st, playing on the left wing, with Anyinsah stationed on the opposite flank.

From the off it was the home side who had their foot on the gas, Harrold heading a Matt Gill corner wide before Scott McGleish suffered the same fate from a Craig Stanley cross.

Rovers captain Gill then found himself with a yard of space in the penalty area, defying the tight angle and forcing Dagenham goalkeeper Chris Lewington into a sharp save.

The away side, managed by former Rovers assistant John Still, were hanging on by a thread, Scott McGleish's centre finding Anyinsah, whose shot was kept out, the rebound falling kindly for Gill. After the captain's effort was blocked by the desperate Dagenham bodies Carayol had one final chance to turn the ball in, but there was a visiting body in the way once more.

Though Rovers had the better of the first half exchanges there were few moments of quality, Dagenham's line-up looking bereft of any confidence, though that was not to be unexpected, the Essex club having lost their last four League 2 games.

What ever words of wisdom cane from Still had little effect on his squad as Rovers came out and scored within five minutes of the restart. Stanley was allowed space to run down the right hand side and found McGleish with a cross, Lewington keeping out the veteran forwards header, parrying straight into the path of Anyinsah who blasted his volley into the goal.

Seven minutes later the lead could have been doubled, Stanley again the man to break from midfield and whip the ball in, though Harrold's header ricocheted off the inside of the post to allow the Daggers to clear.

A Cian Bolger slip allowed substitute Brian Woodall to run in behind the Rovers defence, though his burst was ended prematurely by an emphatic sliding challenge from Danny Woodards, hurtling back to prevent the forward from getting a clear shot on goal.

Damien McCrory had to be on hand to clear a Carayol strike off the line, though the home crowd weren't to be denied a second goal for long. Abu Ogogo hauled down Harrold shirt first in the penalty area and referee Mark Heywood pointed straight to the spot. The former Shrewsbury man picked himself up to convert, push Rovers up to 15th in the table and lift the mood on the unnervingly tense terraces.

Rigg Enjoys Rovers Return

A Sean Rigg stunner against his former club capped off a fine Port Vale win over an ailing Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

Marc Richards and Doug Loft scored in the first half before Rigg finished off any hope Rovers had of a late comeback in the 3-0 triumph.

The game started at a frenetic pace, the home side making much of the early runnings, though they found themselves unable to get an effort in on goal. After the clock had ticked over ten minutes Vale began to exert control over the game, Rigg firing wide from the edge of the area, before Rovers resistance was broken in the 19th minute.

The visitors broke down the right-hand side, Tom Pope finding space in the penalty area, squaring the ball for Richards. The former Barnsley striker spun on the spot, sending Rovers defender Cian Bolger flailing, and beat Scott Bevan with a low effort.

Ollie Norburn, making his first start for the home side, found himself unable to adapt to the pace of the play and was replaced by Joe Anyinsah with just 32 minutes gone. The change, however, made little difference, a further Rigg shot preceding Vale's second, though it didn't come without a large slice of luck.

Central midfielder Doug Loft collected the ball in the middle third and was allowed to push forward unchallenged, his eventual long range shot taking a hefty deflection, helping it loop up and over Bevan's head for his fifth goal of the season.

Conceding the second appeared to kick Rovers into life as they ended the half on top, Scott Rendell seeing his strike blocked prior to each full back taking their chances from distance, Lee Brown and Dan Woodards forcing Stuart Tomlinson into making saves. Scott McGleish's header went wide of the left hand post to end the opening period with the Bristolians in the ascendancy.

Anyinsah and Matt Harrold tried their luck as the second half began, though neither could hit the target with a volley and glancing header respectively. The introduction of Mustapha Carayol, in place of Woodards, gave Rovers an added spark down the left hand side and the winger made an immediate impact, giving Tomlinson more work in the Port Vale goal.

The substitution did, however, mean that Matt Gill had to move from midfield to right back, taking away much of the creativity from the heart of the home side, gradually allowing the Valiants to wrestle back control of the match.

The ever-menacing Rigg continued to test Bevan while Anyinsah lashed a volley over the crossbar at the other end before the former had the last word, jinking inside of makeshift midfielder Rendell before driving left-footed into the top corner of the Rovers goal, leaving Paul Buckle's team to exit the field to a chorus of boos from the home supporters.

De Vita Breaks Pilgrims Resistance

Raffaele De Vita's 82nd minute strike lead his battling Swindon Town side to a 1-0 triumph away at Plymouth Argyle.

The Italian ended a flowing counter attack to leave the Pilgrims rock-bottom of the Football League, though it was not for a lack of trying on the hosts part, their eight shots on target finding determined Swindon bodies between them and the back of the net.

It was Plymouth, looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games, who started the brighter, a barrage of corners eventually leading to two efforts on goal. Curtis Nelson initially found the back of teammate Matt Lecointe, before the rebound looped up for Robbie Williams to volley into the arm's of Wes Foderingham.

Central defender Nelson was a constant threat when lurking in the Swindon penalty area, as two more of his strikes required blocks from visiting bodies, either side of Jake Jervis' header going narrowly wide at the other end.

With his side on the back foot Cristian Montano took it upon himself to take the game to the fragile Plymouth defence. The Colombian managed to skin two defenders before letting the moment slip, his final shot rolling comfortably into the grateful palms of Argyle custodian Jake Cole.

Robbie Williams late free kick, held by the strong hands of Foderingham, summed up the first half as the home side worked hard for no reward.

Paulo Di Canio's half time team-talk appeared to motivate Swindon for the second half as the visitors began to stroke the ball around more confidently, adding an extra yard of pace to the game.

Birmingham loanee Jake Jervis twice missed the target when well placed while two short-corner routines caught the Plymouth defence cold, though Jonothan Smith's header was the best chance to result from them.

Argyle were not done yet, however, as their best chance of the match came and went within the blink of an eye, Conor Hourihane's inswinging corner finding the forehead of Jamie Griffith. With the substitute's bullet header flying goalwards Foderingham instinctively threw a hand up, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

Five minutes later, with the home side pressing for the winner, Swindon broke downfield, the ball making it's way to Matt Ritchie on the right hand side, the ex-Portsmouth youth crossing for De Vita to beat Cole with a low angled drive.

With the game almost up Argyle fought valiantly for a route back in, but not even the presence of Cole in the Swindon area for a late corner could force the equaliser, leaving the Pilgrims five points adrift of safety, while the Robins move to just a point away from the League 2 play-off places.

Zebroski Halts Rovers Slide

When the cheers that greeted the final whistle of Bristol Rovers 1-0 win over Shrewsbury subsided the fans within the Memorial Stadium drew a collective sigh of relief.

Chris Zebroski's first half goal successfully ended a run of four League 2 games without a victory that had blighted the early season optimism of supporters, though it wasn't all plain sailing for Paul Buckle's side. If it weren't for the Shrews wastefulness in the final third the result could easily have been different, though as it was the Gas were the team who created the best chances on the night.

Chris Zebroski's inclusion in the started line up, in place of the veteran Scott McGleish, was the only change from Saturday's team that drew up at Bradford, the former Torquay forward proving, quite typically, to be a thorn in the opposition's side. Now getting a chance to play through the centre Zebroski appears more capable of producing on a regular basis than when placed out wide, his powerful running pressurising the Shrewsbury back four.

One such burst at the heart of the Salops defence drew a foul from central defender Ian Sharps two yards from the edge of the penalty area. Referee Graham Scott ignored home catcalls for a red card, instead awarding a yellow, deeming there to be a covering defender. It was one of a set of bemusing decisions from the Oxfordshire official.

Zebroski's goal, a volley from the edge of the box, came as a result of Matt Harrold's knock-down and was a well taken strike, doubling the 24 year old's tally for the season. It came very much against the run of play as Shrewsbury ran the majority of the game.

The visitors ended the match with 62% of the possession, pushing hard down the wings via Lionel Ainsworth and ex-Rover Mark Wright. Ainsworth's pace had Rovers on the back foot from the off, though first Lee Brown and then Michael Smith dealt with the threat commendably. Wright proved to have a frustrating night, his twists and turns were dangerous, his final balls less so, though a second half drive that whistled inches past the frame of the goal had Scott Bevan flying despairingly through the air.

The right hand flank saw Ainsworth backed up by monstrous full back Jermaine Grandison who overlapped at will as Shrewsbury looked to force the issue from the wide positions. Grandison, and his left sided cohort Joe Jacobson, were able to make an impression on the game with little care for their defensive duties as neither of the Rovers flankmen possessed great pace, indeed, both were arguably playing out of position, Wayne Brown a central midfielder by trade, Eliot Richards a striker.

And yet for all their statistical dominance Rovers still created the better of the chances, Cian Bolger unlucky not to score from a corner as Shrews stopper Ben Smith made a fine save on the line from point blank range.

The dying seconds saw Ainsworth almost snatch a leveller, his twenty five yard drive pushed around the post by the palms of Bevan. The resulting corner saw Smith charge towards the Rovers area, the short corner taken his way, only for the rush 'keeper to slip at the crucial moment. Eliot Richards had the chance to give the travelling support a sense of Deja Vu, though he was unable to put the ball into the empty net as Sammy Igoe had for Rovers at Wembley five years ago.

Paul Buckle and his squad would have taken a win in this fixture by hook or by crook, but if they want to continue to push past their current position of 12th in League 2 their game will need to pick up. Rovers had been kicked back to square one, now they must rise again.

Rovers Search For Form Against Shrews

Matt Harrold in a previous life, wearing Shrewsbury Town Colours

When your luck is out the last thing you need is a questionable refereeing decision. That's exactly what Bristol Rovers were handed at the weekend.

With literally seconds of stoppage time to go Michael Flynn spoiled the Pirates' northern jaunt by slotting away his second penalty of the game to level the scores at 2-2. The first spot kick was a stonewaller, there could be no protestations from the gas contingent. It was the second award from the officials that had players in uproar. Jamie Devitt broke into the box only to fall under minimal contact from Rovers full back Lee Brown, the linesman flagging, referee Miller pointing to the spot.

Had the decision not gone Bradford's way it would have seen a run of three league games without a win halted, it wasn't to be. Instead Rovers go into Tuesday's game with high-flying Shrewsbury looking for a change in fortune, that may be hard to come by against one of the divisions form teams. Having handed Plymouth what remains their only point of the season on the opening day the Shrews kicked off the season in tortoise-slow fashion, there was to be one further point from their next two games. What has transpired since has seen the club propel upwards and into the automatic promotion spots.

Four straight wins, not to mention a shock Carling Cup victory over Swansea, have boosted the mood at the Greenhous Meadow, their last game finishing in a 3-1 triumph over local rivals Hereford. Marvin Morgan was at the double in that match, outmuscling his defender for the first and slotting coolly home to put the game beyond the Bulls late on.

Those strikes came either side of a goal from Mark Wright, a former Rovers player himself, who left the the club after a largely unfruitful season under Paul Trollope. His attitude made him a bete noir among the Bristolian faithful though since dropping down to the fourth tier Shrews his form has been stunning. The former MK Dons winger netted 14 goals last term and was a major part of Town's run to the play-offs, he already has braces of both goals and assists this season.

There could also be a possible Memorial Stadium return for left back Joe Jacobson, who started in the XI that faced Hereford. Tuesday will also give Matt Harrold an opportunity to give Shrewsbury, the club that sold him to Rovers in the summer, just what they are missing out on.

Rovers hold the lead in the overall record between the two sides, holding 27 wins to their opponents meagre 15. It will be the first time the clubs will have met since 2006/07, a season which saw them become well acquainted with each other. In the four games that season Rovers came out on top three times, drawing the other, most importantly in front of over 61,000 spectators at Wembley when they ran out 3-1 winners in the League 2 play-off final. It was their tenth unbeaten game in succession, a run from which they snatched sixth place on the final day of the season and disposed of Lincoln for the end of season showpiece.

Stewart Drummond headed the Shropshire side into a 3rd minute lead though Rovers refused to lay down quietly. Richard Walker produced a fine finish to equalise before exquisitely lobbing Chris Mackenzie for the half time lead. Shrewsbury spent the second half probing for a way back into the match and won a corner in the final minute for which Mackenzie made his way into the opposing penalty area. The corner was swung in but the danger removed, allowing Pirates midfielder Sammy Igoe to pick up the loose ball, run half the length of the field and slip the ball into the unguarded net, securing promotion and inciting delirium among the nigh on 40,000 Gasheads that had made the trip to the capital.

Team news for Tuesday sees Gary Sawyer unavailable, the full back missing out as he slowly returns to fitness following a hernia operation.

Captain Matt Gill has been feeling fatigued of late but manager Paul Buckle is hopeful that he will be available.

Shrewsbury will be without ex-Rovers defender Carl Regan who is lost his place in the side following a quadricep injury.

Striker Terry Gornell is suspended following a straight red card in the win over Hereford. While he serves a three match suspension Tom Bradshaw and James Collins will be fighting for the vacated spot.

The space on the bench could go the way of defender Connor Goldson or one of the wing pair of Steve Leslie and Jon Taylor.

Parkinson Looks Forward To 'Special Occasion'

Much of the focus on Bristol Rovers trip to Bradford City will be on new Bantams boss Phil Parkinson and his first game at Valley Parade, the Gas will be looking to slip under the radar.

The former Charlton boss made his first appearance in a Bradford dugout a week ago at Morecambe, taking his first point in the process thanks to a 93rd minute Ross Hannah goal. The fact that City needed to appoint a new manager so early in the new season was a surprise in itself as Peter Jackson, a former player at Valley Parade, tendered his resignation to the Bradford board after a below par start to the season that had seen his side lose three of their first four League 2 games. Following his departure the Bantams picked up their first win of the campaign, beating Barnet 4-2, in front of a crowd just short of the 10,000 mark.

Parkinson cut his managerial teeth at Colchester, saving the club from relegation before turning them into promotion winners two seasons later. Success in Essex lead Parkinson to Hull City, though he eventually left in December 2006 after a dreadful start that wore on over the following months had seen the Tigers drop into the relegation zone. After nearly two years as assistant manager to Alan Pardew at Charlton he was given the chance to manage once again with the Addicks, getting the job permanently after two months in caretaker charge. He was unable to save Charlton from the drop but had a tilt at the League 1 play-offs the next season, losing out to Swindon. Parkinson was relieved of his duties in January after a poor run in December.

While Bradford have started at a snails pace Rovers can claim to be only marginally better. It has been three league games since Paul Buckle's team last overcame an opponent, throw two cup defeats into the mix and you will find a side lacking in form. There was a highly commendable display against Watford in the first round of the Carling Cup, Rovers winning through on penalties, but the last time they won in ninety minutes was an August 16th game against Northampton. Despite the adverse results the squad remain in a confident and jovial mood ahead of the long journey up to Yorkshire.

It will be the first meeting between Rovers and Bradford for twelve seasons and also represents the first time the clubs will have met outside of the third tier. The history books have Saturday's visitors down with the favourable record, Rovers having won twelve of the eighteen clashes compared to the Bantams three. Five of the nine games at Valley Parade have ended with an away win.

The home side will be without defenders Simon Ramsden and Steve Williams who are both suffering with calf injuries. Two midfielders, David Syers (knee) and Lee Bullock (hip), are also set to miss out, as is striker Nialle Rodney (ankle). Forward Ross Hannah is pushing for a starting berth having netted the late equaliser against Morecambe as well as scoring a hat-trick for the reserves in midweek.

Rovers will be bouyed by the return to training of defenders Gary Sawyer, Adam Virgo and Cian Bolger and winger Joe Anyinsah who may play some part in the game. Chris Zebroski looks set to miss out after he picked up a knock against Crawley last Saturday.

With Saturday approaching Parkinson was eagerly anticipating taking his Valley Parade bow.

"Saturday will obviously be a special occasion, there's no doubt about that," said the new City boss.

"Your first game at home is always something extra special - I have friends and family coming - but I just want to focus on what I have to do with the team.

"I am really looking forward to the day, but we have to try and ensure that it ends on a happy note for us."

Paul Buckle was much more focussed on his sides own build up and was pleased with the availability of previously injured squad members.

"We have not been able to put our best team on to the field, you want to have your full quota of players to chose from, we have not had that yet, but hopefully we will have that soon.

"It has been tough; Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, but that is life. We are not getting the rub of the green at the moment, but hopefully we will get it soon, and get it for the rest of the season.

"This is a big job, to try and get this football club back where it belongs."

Out Of Form Rovers And Reds Look For Boost

It is the game that will have League 2 punters keenly watching their computer screens for minute-by-minute updates, Crawley Town, favourites for the fourth tier title, hosting the team tipped to be their closest rivals, Bristol Rovers. It is not, however, the top of the table clash that many predicted, though the new season is still in it's infancy.

Having taken three wins and a draw from their opening four league fixtures it looked as though newly promoted Crawley were set to live up to the hype, sitting as they did atop the division following a 3-1 victory away at Torquay. Since then the good form has began to slip away as the Red Devils have tasted defeat in their last three, though two of those games were in cup competitions. The loss in the league came away at Cheltenham Town, Kaid Mohamed, Marlon Pack and Jeff Goulding giving the Robins a 3-0 half time lead. Three half time substitutions by Crawley boss Steve Evans could only rescue a consolation goal, the gaffer seething about his sides first half display when interviewed post-match.

Don't get too confident just yet, Rovers fans, all those losses were on the road and when it comes to home league games the Reds are unbeaten in 17, Newport County the last team to overcome the home team at Broadfield Way, and you can almost guarantee them a goal, too. It was the opening game of last season, in a defeat to Grimsby Town, the last time Crawley drew a blank on home turf.

A midweek Carling Cup match against Leyton Orient ended in defeat for Rovers, though not for a lack of effort on their part. 2-0 down after 23 minutes the Gas pulled the game level in second half stoppage time, only for the Londoner's to deliver a sucker punch in the shape of a Stephen Dawson winner just seconds before the final whistle. It was the first defeat away from the Memorial Stadium for Rovers but the spirit shown will be pleasing for fans and club officials alike.

It hasn't all been positive away from home for Rovers, though, only an opening day win at AFC Wimbledon have given the Pirates three points in their two trips, a 0-0 stalemate at Macclesfield the other result. With four games since claiming victory in any game for the Gas it leaves two highly thought of teams in relatively poor form, a win for either giving a potential platform from which they can push on.

Pablo Mills (ankle) and Jamie Day (back) will miss out for the home team while Scott Shearer, Scott Davies, Wes Thomas and Tyrone Barnett could be in line for recalls having been dropped for the JPT loss to Southend.

Wantaway striker Jo Kuffour is highly unlikely to feature in the Rovers squad, the former Swindon man looking for a new club closer to London.

Cian Bolger (ankle), Jo Anyinsah (hamstring) and Matt Harrold look set to miss out as they continue to recover from respective complaints.

Rovers Halted By Rear Guard Bulls

Hereford boss Jamie Pitman claimed he was 'very pleased with the point' that his side claimed away at Bristol Rovers after a 0-0 draw in the West Country, saying 'it's something to build on'. The bricklaying must start soon for the workmanlike Bulls, though, as they are still to win a league game this season.

"Now we need to show a bit of belief that we can go on and win a game." Continued the Bulls chief, "We've defended very well today and ground out a very good point at what is a very difficult place to come.

"Paul Buckle has got a great record at this level and knows how to organise his teams well. We've come under a bit of pressure but also, on the other hand, we have had our moments as well."

Facing one of the stronger squads in League 2 Hereford, languishing one place off the foot of the basement division, were forced to work hard in defence, successfully denying the home side any clear cut chances.

Rovers spurned numerous opportunities, Matt Harrold having two headed chances either side of the half time whistle saved, the first being tipped onto an upright.

Hereford only hit the target twice throughout the ninety minutes but came closest when Harry Pell's swerving cross looped over Scott Bevan's head, clattering off the inside of the post and away. The former Pirates midfielder also saw a penalty appeal turned down after falling meekly in the area.

There was one last chance for the hosts but Lee Brown was unable to connect sweetly with his injury time diving header.

Rovers gaffer Buckle chose to speak not about his teams inability to deliver the killer blow, instead blaming the Memorial Stadium surface for thwarting the pace of his sides play.

"I couldn't believe what it was like and it's a lesson learned for the future. There is nothing a visiting side like more than a pitch which slows up the play.

"It sounds like an excuse but it's actually a reason why we didn't get better crosses into the box from the right in the first half.

Rovers Assets Fail To Beat Hereford

Two teams with divisional aims that are poles apart faced off at the Memorial Stadium, only to find that the gap was not so great after all. Bristol Rovers, installed as second favourites for the League 2 title by the majority of bookmakers, have their sights set firmly on an immediate return to the English third tier come May. For Hereford the task is to maintain Football League status, a feat achieved by a mere three points last season.

The Rovers squad looks to have it all, experience, youth, pace, strength and flair and under the stewardship of daring manager Paul Buckle, a man who took lowly Torquay United from the Conference to the brink of League 1, their fans have good reason to be titillated over their chances of promotion. Twice, too, they attempted to draw blood in the early stages against Hereford, the experience, Scott McGleish, finding the hands of David Cornell with the games first attempt before swiping a low drive across the face of the Swansea City loanee's goal upon being given the gift of space in the penalty area.

Much of the Bulls struggles last term figured around the lack of goals, just fifty in all in the league, Stuart Fleetwood the only man to make it into double figures. The additional captures, however, of experienced striker Delroy Facey, still able to pump his athletic legs across a football field at great speed, and Yoann Arquin, a powerful striker taken from the French lower leagues, had given hope of a change in destiny this time around. The Hereford faithful are still waiting for the wheel of fortune to turn.

Seven games into the season the Bulls have just a brace of goals to show, one apiece for Facey and Arquin, with just one of those strikes coming in league competition. If the West Midlands club are to up their goal tally this year then they will need to be far more ruthless in their finishing than shown in this display, Facey missing his side's only notable chance of the first half, heading wide from a Simon Clist cross.

Tuesday night saw both these sides in Carling Cup action, Hereford dropping out of the tournament after conceding two late goals at Villa Park. Rovers, on the other hand, shook up the already frail foundations of Championship Watford's season, finishing level at 1-1 after 120 minutes of football before hitting the back of the net on four out of five occasions in the shootout decider. The Bristolian's equaliser in midweek came via the right boot of top scorer Matt Harrold, proving, during the early exchanges of the season, to be Rovers in-form man.

The 6' 1" striker is a pivotal cog in Paul Buckle's engine room, responsible for taking the ball out of the air and onto the ground in preparation for further assault on opposition territory, and he proved to be the key man once again in sunny Horfield. It was the Londoner who had the best opportunity of all during the first period, his flicked header from a hurled Matt Gill throw in tipped onto the post by the scrambling Cornell, the Hereford custodian saving once again from Harrold at the start of the second half.

Despite the statistical dominance of the home side it was the visitors ranks that contained the afternoon's shining light, coming in the shape of Harry Pell, a young man who turned down the offer of a new contract during the summer reshuffle at Rovers in search of first team football, happening upon such an opening with Jamie Pitman's side. The former Charlton youth ran the middle of the park for the duration of the game, driving his side on and threatening a steadfast Pirates' defence when the occasion suited.

The luck that has seemingly deserted the Whites for much of the short duration of the season almost emphatically had a change of heart. Man of the match Pell slung in a cross from deep in the right hand channel that viciously whipped over the head of the stranded Scott Bevan who could only listen to the thud of the ball rebounding off the post as he fell backward towards his own line, the defenders in front of him finally clearing the threat.

That slice of fortune did, however, come to the visitors rescue with just seconds left on the clock as Rovers left back Lee Brown blazed into the Bulls penalty area, flinging himself head first at a cross from his namesake Wayne, his neck proving millimetres too short as the ball grazed off his forehead and into the advertising hoardings in front of the Blackthorn End, it's thousand inhabitants left to stand stunned, hands on heads, knowing that was to be the conclusion of the afternoon's quest for three points.

Another Thrashing In The Offing?

During their four year stint in League 1 the best result Bristol Rovers managed came in an emphatic 6-1 win over Hereford, taking no pity on a side destined for relegation back to the Football League's basement division at the first attempt, and they will be hoping for a just as convincing scoreline when they face the Bulls on Saturday.

Rovers are yet to settle into the rhythm expected from them during pre-season, they lost just one of their first team friendlies, but that is not to say that have started poorly. The Gas sit ninth in the table with seven points, their last league game ending in stalemate away at Macclesfield last weekend, though they will be buoyed by a battling display against Championship Watford on Tuesday night, holding Shaun Dyche's men to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes before finishing them off in the resultant penalty shootout.

With striker Matt Harrold starting the season the fine form, the ex-Shrewsbury marksman having netted three goals Rovers five games, and a squad packed full of attacking talent in terms of pace, flair and experience the blank drawn at Macclesfield is likely to be an irregular occurrence wherever Rovers take to the pitch, most notably at home in front of a vociferous home crowd.

In complete contrast to the promotion hopefuls Hereford have much lesser ambitions in League 2 this term, the highest finishing position seen since the relegation from the third tier three seasons ago being sixteenth, the Bulls ending up just three points away from the drop into non-league in May. The cumulative drop in League positions since the 2008/09 season looks to be continuing as Jamie Pitman's side currently find themselves in the bottom two just four games in, only collecting their first point with a 1-1 draw away at Wimbledon on Saturday. That result continued a run of nine away games without a win for Hereford, March the last time they took all three points on the road.

It will be a return to Bristol for a pair of former Rovers players. Ryan Green spent three years with the club and claimed an assist in the 2007 play-off final win at Wembley while Harry Pell, also a loanee at Edgar Street last year, played ten times for the West Country side before turning down a new contract in search of first team football.

The home side will be without Stuart Campbell, the player-coach suffering with a hamstring injury, while Gary Sawyer is still recovering from a hernia operation. Cian Bolger tweaked his ankle ligaments in Tuesday's Carling Cup tie and will miss out against Hereford. Chris Zebroski was also withdrawn from the field against Watford as a precaution but has been back in training and will be in contention as is Harrold, another Pirate subbed off last time out. Joe Anyinsah could make a return to the starting line up having fought back from a hamstring tweak.

There are potential debuts in the offing for Bulls loan duo Will Evans and Thomas Barkhuizen. Wiltshire born Evans comes to the West Midlands from Swindon Town having made one appearance in senior football, as has Barkhuizen, moving down to Hereford from Blackpool until January. Another loanee, Simon Clist, was cup-tied for the midweek game at Aston Villa on Tuesday but could return to to the side at the Memorial Stadium while Rob Purdie faces a fitness test on his thigh.

Stopper Adam Bartlett, saver of two penalties in a Hereford shootout win the last time the two sides met, is definitely out with a thigh injury with central defensive pair Stefan Stam and Beniot Dalibard both out with hamstring problems.

Buckle Eyes Macclesfield Win

Paul Buckle will go into Saturday’s game against Macclesfield assured in the belief that his side can come away with the victory that will make it nine points out of twelve in the League 2 table.

The Rovers boss has been impressed by what he has seen so far but knows that his side still need to tighten up at the back.

“I am really happy with what I have seen so far,” Said Buckle. “I have had some time to reflect and six points is a good return.”

“We have shown our intent with the goals we have scored, and now we have to keep a clean sheet that must be our next aim for us all, to try and steer clear of silly goals. If we can stay solid as a unit I feel we have goals in us at any time.

“The good signs are there defensively, it is going to take a bit of time, but the players are learning by the minute.”

Buckle knows, too, that teams will do their research and come out with a game plan that will trouble his side.

“We expect to see more aerial bombardment. Teams will do their homework, and if they can exploit some weaknesses in us they are going to do that.

“If we can show that we are resilient whether the ball is played in the air, along the ground or wide, that we are competent at defending, teams are going to find it difficult.

“The aim now is to try and make us nice and solid whatever the opposition throw at us.”

When asked about the opposition his Rovers side will face on Saturday Buckle refused to underestimate the opposition, buoyed by a 4-0 midweek win away at Hereford

“It is going to be a tough game on Saturday, Macclesfield have just gone and scored four goals away, but it is one we are looking forward to.

“On Tuesday they scored four goals, didn't concede, and it was away from home. They have got some good players, and I was impressed with them last season.

“They are a good side, and they will upset a few this season, and we have to be ready.”

Though not known for setting his teams out to play rough the former Torquay boss knows his side will be up for the competition whatever is thrown at them.

“It shouldn't worry us what surroundings we play in because when we train every day we picture being in competition and when we go onto the pitch we picture the training ground.

“We won’t be put off by a smaller club or poor surroundings. We have got our own goals and standards, and our standards are very high at the moment and we want to keep them there.

“Let’s try and go and do the nasty side as well as the nice stuff.

“I think you saw us the other night really dig in and do the horrible side of the game, if we do that we always feel we have a chance to go and express ourselves at the other end.”

Despite looking decidedly dodgy at the back last weekend against Torquay Buckle is pleased with how his team have gelled and adapted to his tactics.

“There is an understanding developing, and everyone involved with Bristol Rovers is looking for us to push forward and start seeing signs of relationships on the field; both attacking and defending.

“As a team I encourage us to go forward as a team, and go back the other way as a team.

“It is going to take a bit of time for the understanding to come, but with the midfield being nice and strong and solid, that is a sound basis for the rest of the team to go and attack.

“But the back four is big for us at the moment, we defended high balls well the other night, and we are going to have to do that again on Saturday.”

Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson noted how important Tuesday’s win was for his side but also took the time to give his opinion on Rovers chances this season.

“It will make it a bit better now as we're up and running and we've got points on the board.

“I think Bristol Rovers are one of two or three favourites to win this division, with their resources and the players that they've signed.

“When you can go and sign the players that are proven and good in this division, the recipe's there to be half decent.”

Rovers will be without Gary Sawyer, Stuart Campbell and Ollie Clarke while Joe Anyinsah is likely to miss out.

Vinny Mukendi and Colin Daniel are side-lined for Macclesfield with Paul Morgan and Waide Fairhurst also doubtful to start.

Rovers And Maccs Look To Continue Where They Left Off

Having beaten Northampton in midweek Bristol Rovers will be hoping to kick into form starting with a win away at Macclesfield Town this weekend.

The delivery of three points on Tuesday will have put the confidence among Paul Buckle's squad back to where it was prior to the defeat last Saturday against Torquay where a poor first half performance, particularly from the back four, lead to two early Gulls goals, too much of a mountain for Rovers to climb come the start of the second half.

In beating Northampton the Gas showed why they are one of the favourites to secure promotion back to League 1 come May 2012, Jo Kuffour turned on a sixpence to shoot home a well deserved goal for the home side. Another goal, eventually scored by Matt Harrold, was required thanks to one of the luckiest goals Adebayo Akinfenwa will score in his career, on loan Rovers defender Cian Bolger hitting a clearance against the forward's shins, the ball swiftly rebounding into Scott Bevan's net.

Add into the equation an opening day win at AFC Wimbledon and Rovers have six points, currently leaving them in seventh place, it is still early days though.

Macclesfield didn't start their campaign at a flying pace, falling to Dagenham before handing Crawley their inaugural win in the Football League, though there was a Carling Cup slaying of Championship Hull in the opening week. Their league form, however, was no indication of what was to come when the Silkmen travelled to Hereford on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half Frenchman Tony Diagne opened the scoring in the 53rd minute before the visitors turned on the style with ten minutes to go. Midfielder Ross Draper picked up the ball, moving to just within the Hereford half before delightfully lobbing Russell Hoult from 45 yards out, a goal that he admitted post-match he would never better. Two more goals followed, both of which came in stoppage time from substitute Ben Tomlinson, rounding off a miserable night for Bulls fans and sending the 47 travelling fans from the Cheshire club home happy and full of faith for this weekend's clash.

The prime reason Rovers are fancied by many this term is down to the depth of their attacking options and currently leading the line is lanky striker Matt Harrold. Despite being aged just 27 Rovers are the seventh Football League club that Harrold has represented, that alongside a smattering of non-league sides, and while the striker has never been seen as prolific at any of the clubs he has played it is his ability to hold up the ball and link the play that has given the forward a career in the professional game. That's not to say he can't score goals, there have been two in the three games he has played since joining the Pirates, but his all round abilities have seen him start the season in fine form.

Perennially given the tag of relegation battlers Macclesfield will have to keep their goals against column to a minimum this year and one man who will be key in the quest for survival is Tony Diagne. Signed from French Club CM Aubervilliers in January the 20 year old centre back has become a regular at the heart of the Maccs defence since making his first start against Hereford in February, opening the scoring in that game as well as this seasons tussle away at Hereford. Diagne has started in all of Macclesfield's matches so far this season and has helped them to two clean sheets in the four games they have played.

In total there have been fourteen meetings between the two clubs with Macclesfield firmly in control of the standings having won half of the games played compared to Rovers two. Of the seven games away at Moss Rose over the years five have finished 2-1 in favour of the home side, the only two games that didn't have such a scoreline have been Rovers wins, including the first victory either side picked up against each other, Jamie Cureton netting a hat-trick in May 1999 as Rovers came back to win 4-3 having trailed 3-1 since the 48th minute.

The last match finished in a 1-0 win for Rovers, that was in April 2007 as the season was drawing to a close, Sean Rigg's second half winner proving vital in his sides quest for a play-off place, the Gas eventually winning promotion at Wembley that season.

In charge of the players on the pitch will be Andrew Madley, embarking on his first season as a national group referee. The Yorkshireman, whose older brother is also a Football League match official, has been on the national group assistant list prior to his promotion this season. Madley's first game in charge came on the opening day, three yellow cards being handed out in a 1-0 win for Barnet over Morecambe. A week later came a London derby, Wimbledon coming out on top against Dagenham, Luke Moore scoring a penalty, awarded for handball, in the process as the Wombles also received two yellow cards from Madley.

Macclesfield are likely to be without captain Paul Morgan who is still returning to fitness after suffering a broken arm while Waide Fairhurst will also be given the once over before the match. Vinny Mukendi and Colin Daniel will miss out on the game with injuries of their own.

Joe Anyinsah could miss out for Rovers after being substituted during the first half of Rovers win over Northampton after a recurrence of the hamstring injury that he suffered during pre-season. Player-coach Stuart Campbell is also sidelined with a hamstring problem while Gary Sawyer is recovering from a hernia operation. Youth team graduate Ollie Clarke is also out after having a knee operation.

Buckle Hails 'Outstanding' Rovers

Bristol Rovers picked up their first home win of the season as they beat Northampton Town 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium.

Jo Kuffour swivelled and half volleyed past Sam Walker to the delight of the home faithful to send the Pirates into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

The game was level after 64 minutes when Cian Bolger's attempted clearance struck Adebayo Akinfenwa and ricocheted into the net but Matt Harrold finished the game as he struck high into the net to move Rovers up into the League 2 play-off zone, much to the delight of manager Paul Buckle.

"We would have took a win by hook or by crook, but to get it in that fashion; I thought we were outstanding.

"Underneath I was disappointed that we weren't 3-0 up at half time, as we dominated the game, had good tempo and good fight and knew what Northampton would offer us.

"Northampton struggled to contain us with the tempo we played at. There was a lot of aerial battles, if you play against a side that keeps throwing the ball in, you have to be resilient and professional."

Rovers were in the ascendancy from the off and nearly took an early lead when Joe Anyinsah hit a spectacular volley, spinning and hitting from waist height, that forced Northampton custodian Walker to tip the ball around the post.

The home side weren't to be denied for long though, Matt Gill's free kick found Kuffour in the box, and the former Arsenal trainee made no mistake, turning and scoring his first of the season.

Into the second half a spell of Northampton pressure tolled as a goalmouth scramble lead to Bolger's clearance rebounding off Akinfenwa to hand Gary Johnson's side an equaliser.

The parity lasted just eleven minutes before Chris Zebroski's fluffed effort rolled through for Matt Harrold who hit the ceiling of the net to restore Rovers lead.

Kuffour and Harrold both had shots cleared off the line late on but there were to be no more goals and Cobblers boss Johnson had to make do with a fruitless journey back to the East Midlands.

"We just never got started at all." Said the Londoner. "They took the game to us, they played their four up front and we knew if we gave the ball away they’d be down our throats.

"That was exactly what we did, we kept giving the ball away and that meant they put us under pressure."