ROVERS gained an invaluable three points from a well deserved victory at home to Rotherham on Saturday.

The players were determined to build on the promising display at Blackburn the previous week and banish the memories of the capitulation in our last home game when we were easily beaten by Wimbledon.

The need for a positive result was emphasised by our precarious position in the table, lying just one point outside of the relegation zone going into the fixture.

Despite a scrappy opening 45 minutes we looked solid and well organised as Clarke opted to reward the players who had put in an impressive shift at Ewood Park by selecting the same team and giving them another opportunity.

The half ended goalless but we continued to pile on the pressure after the break as the team looked full of endeavour and commitment.

We were dealt a huge setback, however, as Rotherham hit us on the break and a defensive error saw them pounce to take the lead with a good finish in the 56th minute.

The players deserve great credit as they were undeterred and refused to let their heads drop despite going a goal down.

The introduction of Lines and Gaffney freshened up the team and we looked a more potent attacking force.

They got their reward in the 64th minute as Lines flicked the ball onto Harrison who moved quickly in the box and converted the chance from a difficult angle to level the scoreline.

It was all Rovers from then on and Harrison capped a man of the match performance by setting up Sercombe who was striding purposefully in the penalty box.

A deft touch brought the ball down and a cool finish saw the Mem erupt with relief and joy.

With a quarter of an hour to go, the anxiety was palpable as the win was desperately needed but our task was made a little easier by Kieffer Moore’s sending off for elbowing Lee Brown.

The players showed great character and spirit to recover from going a goal down and the win will have boosted confidence.

It lifted the Gas up into 15th place and if we can continue the improvement at home to Southend on Saturday we should climb to a comfortable mid-table position.