ROVERS secured their first point on the road this season with a battling 1-1 draw at Southend on Friday night.

After four consecutive away defeats in the league it was good to stop the rot, but after taking the lead it was disappointing not to go on and claim all three points.

It leaves us with nine points from nine games, highlighting the need to convert draws into victories if we are to make up ground on the division’s pacesetters before they become too far ahead.

Ward made two changes to the starting line-up, with Norburn returning to the midfield and Brunt partnering Harrold up front.

Harrold continued his fine recent form with another well taken goal, making no mistake with a header from a perfect cross by the ever-impressive Smith.

The jury is still out on whether the Brunt/Harrold partnership can work, as they are both similar players, but most importantly they are goalscorers so the possibility should be persevered with.

Harrison played up front in place of Brunt after coming on in the second half, giving Ward another option to ponder as he continues to deliberate over what is his preferred starting line-up.

The lack of a settled side has hindered our prospects so far this season so Ward needs to quickly discover a winning formula.

It was good to see Clucas make a return from injury as the youngster caught the eye with some swashbuckling performances towards the end of last season.

However it looks increasingly likely that Gill has played his last game for the club as Ward said this week that he doesn’t feature in his plans.

It seems strange that a player with his experience is not given a chance to prove himself after returning from injury.Rovers failed to win a game in September and can now put that dismal record behind them as promotion-chasing Fleetwood visit the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.