ROVERS’ long unbeaten run away from home came to an end at Leyton Orient on Saturday as the Gas suffered a 2-0 defeat.

The trip to Brisbane Road looked a tough test as Orient were top of the table with a 100 per cent record so far.

Clarke sprang a surprise in the starting line-up by giving 18-year-old Tyler Lyttle his debut, replacing the injured Leadbitter.

Unfortunately it was not the start to his Rovers career he would have wished for, as he gave away a penalty and was substituted at half-time.

However, the penalty award looked harsh, with minimal contact causing Orient’s McCallum to tumble over in the box. Orient gave themselves an unassailable advantage as Simpson turned Parkes inside out before drilling home to score their second just before half-time.

Clarke chose to switch the formation to a 4-4-2 in the second half to play with two wingers, which meant that Lyttle was the player to make way.

It was a tough learning curve for the youngster, who will return a stronger and better player for the experience.

His selection highlighted again that Clarke is not afraid to make big decisions and give youngsters their chance.

Rovers still produced a decent, spirited showing at the league leaders but failed to match the intensity and quality of their display the week before at home to Barnet.

Despite some good spells of possession, we were unable to find a breakthrough and our near-12month unbeaten run on the road came to an end.

However, we were not outplayed or outfought by any means, so no fixtures in this division should hold any fear for the Pirates who look capable of more than holding their own.

We stayed in the top seven despite the defeat and two home games coming up present a good opportunity to put some more points on the board and build on our decent start to the season.

Before Accrington visit the Mem on Saturday week, Oxford are the opponents on Sunday lunchtime in a game televised live on Sky Sports, and we need to take full advantage by securing all three points.