ROVERS continued their unbeaten run with a point in an uninspiring goalless draw at Northampton’s Sixfields Stadium.

The result means that John Ward’s men have now gone five games unbeaten, including three clean sheets, and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Gas lined up against Chris Wilder’s team without loan signing Alan Gow. The Exeter striker is likely to miss all of March’s action with ankle ligament damage.

Earlier on in the season the loss of an influential attacking player would have been a body blow for the team, but Ward now has a range of attacking options at his disposal, not least the excellent David Clarkson, whose recent renaissance has been a major factor in our improvement.

After a dull opening period it was Clarkson who almost broke the deadlock against the Cobblers, forcing keeper Matt Duke into an excellent save from point blank range.

As both teams upped the tempo in the second half, skipper Tom Parkes had a goal-bound header cleared off the line whilst Northampton’s Brennan Dickinson struck the post from distance.

A point each was a fair result against a Cobblers side who are demonstrating a willingness to fight to escape from their relegation predicament.

Rovers’ own relegation worries could be eased by victory against play-off chasing Plymouth at the Mem on Saturday.

In stark contrast to our away form, the Gas are strong at home.

However, Argyle will provide a stern test after winning their last two matches 4-0 and 5-0.

John Sheridan’s side will bring a large contingent of the Green Army with them, so Gasheads have a great West Country derby atmosphere to look forward to.

It is essential that John Ward continues with the same attacking tactics which worked so well against Burton.

If we sit back and allow the Pilgrims time and space, I fear that Plymouth could leave Bristol with all three points.