ROVERS rewarded their fans’ patience with a long-awaited shock win at table-topping Oxford on Saturday.

The Pirates continued their improvement after a spirited home performance against Chesterfield the previous week.

Few expected that progress to lead to victory at the Kassam, but a John-Joe O’Toole penalty was enough to lift the Gas up to 20th place, three points away from the relegation zone, and dent the O’s promotion hopes in the process.

It was our first win in nine games, the last coming at the end of August.

The battling qualities Ward instilled in the side last season are back with a vengeance and if that attitude remains we will be a tough proposition for any team.

New loan signing Chris Beardsley led the line at Oxford superbly, displaying the honest endeavour and selfless running that Ward expects from his players.

It gave Brunt the chance to have a much-needed breather as much has been expected of him recently with Harrold injured, which should allow him to return soon fresher and fitter than before.

The younger players continue to come on leaps and bounds, with Clarke, Clucas and the eye-catching Santos showing maturity beyond their years.

They were not fazed by the Pirates’ poor run of form nor a trip to the league leaders, as they revelled in the underdog tag and showed how evenly matched sides are in this division.

Richards also proved his worth to the team with an adventurous, skilful run into the box that saw him clipped and a penalty awarded.

O’Toole made no mistake with the spot kick to seal the win, which we hope will now mark a turning point in the club’s fortunes this season.

With Brown and Harrold set to return from injury and Clarkson from suspension, the squad is starting to look stronger and harder to beat.

With home games to come tomorrow night against York in the FA Cup and strugglers Bury the following Saturday, we have an excellent chance to be in the hat for the second round of the competition and lift ourselves further away from relegation danger.