ROVERS produced a much improved, battling performance to claim a share of the spoils against high-flying Chesterfield at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

After the disappointing defeat against Wycombe the previous Saturday, and the woeful capitulation at Accrington, fans needed to see a response from the struggling Pirates. Fortunately the team showed much more of the desire and commitment that was prevalent under Ward last season but has been lacking during this campaign.

Packwood gave another assured performance at the heart of the defence while Lockyer again showed his versatility by slotting in for the injured Brown at left back. We played some decent football at times and although the game finished 0-0, it was an entertaining spectacle, particularly the second half, and a draw was a fair result.

The outcome did highlight once again that we desperately need to pose a greater attacking threat, having managed just one shot on target for the second consecutive home match.

Brunt is still struggling to regain full fitness following injury but nonetheless toiled diligently for the cause for the full 90 minutes. However, he has too much to do leading the line on his own and the starting line-up, with a five-man midfield, showed that Ward still favours pragmatism over adventure.

It was disappointing not to see loan winger Henshall start the game or even come on as a substitute as the manager chose to play Clucas out of position in a wider role instead.

It is now nine games since we last won, dating back to the end of August, and the need to improve to avoid getting dragged into the relegation battle is more urgent than ever as we lie just a point off the bottom of the table in 21st position. The Gas face another tough test on Saturday, with a trip to top of the table Oxford United, but they should be inspired by last season’s memorable 2-0 win at the Kassam Stadium.

If players and management can recapture the spirit showed in that game and come back with three points it would give the club the perfect lift.