ROVERS picked up their first league win of the season with a convincing victory at Wycombe on Saturday.

After conceding an early goal in both league fixtures so far, the Gas turned the tables by getting off the mark in the best possible way.

A decent finish by defender James Clarke gave us the lead in the fourth minute, his first goal for the club.

Craig, another defender, showed the attackers how it should be done to double the Pirates’ advantage on 20 minutes with a powerful header.

Sercombe and Payne could have added to our tally as we turned the screw and dominated proceedings.

Summer signing Matthews gave a polished performance and was at the heart of our best moves to justify manager Clarke’s decision to leave Bennett on the bench.

Payne again looked a quality addition as he led the line up front, and it was encouraging to see Nichols thrive alongside him with a committed display – the striker now just needs to start to add some goals to his overall play.

We looked in control but Wycombe pulled a goal back with eight minutes left to play, making for an edgy finale to the contest.

But the Gas held on to record a well-deserved first win of the season to boost confidence for the campaign ahead.

We mustered 17 shots during the fixture, compared to the Chairboys’ nine, showing our dominance.

Rovers looked to continue winning ways with a tough test at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night as one of fancied sides for promotion, Portsmouth, were the visitors.

Unfortunately, it was not to be as Pompey won 2-1.

They took the lead on 32 minutes, but Rovers came back strongly and equalised with a Lines penalty in the 76th minute.

The midfielder then recklessly got sent off two minutes later and we were unable to hold onto a point as the visitors got the winner with three minutes left to play.

Rovers will aim to secure their first home win of the season as Southend come to the Mem on Saturday, August 18.

Then we are back in EFL Cup action the following Tuesday with a trip to struggling Championship side Queens Park Rangers.