ROVERS showed their battling qualities by coming back from 2-0 down at Halifax on Saturday to salvage a point.

Manager Darrell Clarke raised a few eyebrows before kick-off by fielding a side that looked like it would settle for a draw.

Taylor was the only out and out striker selected, with support coming from Monkhouse and Mansell as he chose to pack the midfield.

Our more creative and attack-minded players, such as Dawson, Balanta and Harrison, were forced to settle for a place on a strong-looking bench, alongside Easter who has just returned from injury.

I think at this stage in the season, with every win vital as we chase the automatic promotion place, that attack is the best form of defence and we need to go for the jugular from the start. That means fielding players who can provide service to the front men to unlock defences, even on the quagmire pitch at The Shay.

Our worst fears were realised as the Gas went 2-0 down in the first half and we faced a tough challenge to get something from the game.

The players deserve credit for battling back in the second 45 as the introduction of Harrison, Easter and Balanta combined to good effect to put Halifax under pressure.

It was good to see Lines back in the Rovers midfield as he played a key role in our comeback.

Brown reduced the deficit and Harrison, who is fast earning a ‘supersub’ reputation, notched in the closing stages to earn a point.

The fixture looked one of our toughest games left so a draw was not necessarily a bad result.

The fine comeback was spoilt, however, with news that Barnet had won at Eastleigh, reclaiming top spot in the table and knocking Rovers down to second.

They also played their game in hand on Tuesday, at Halifax, which they drew 1-1, leaving them a point ahead of the Pirates with seven games remaining.

Rovers need to put pressure back on the Bees by unleashing our attacking players on Aldershot at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow evening and getting back to winning ways.

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