ROVERS showed their battling spirit by gaining a point at high-flying Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
Darrell Clarke freshened things up after three consecutive defeats by switching from his favoured 3-5-2 formation to a more traditional 4-4-2.
Gosling, Taylor and Bodin were brought into the starting line-up, replacing Clarke, Mansell and Harrison, following the disappointing defeat to Accrington Stanley the previous week.
The Pilgrims put the Pirates under plenty of pressure throughout the contest, as you would expect from a side who have started the season strongly.
However, Rovers were equal to the challenge and were able to repel Plymouth attacks with resolute defending, whilst also looking a threat going forward.
The game was played at a good pace and intensity but it looked like it was heading for a goalless draw until Jervis put Plymouth ahead with five minutes to go.
That came as a crushing blow to Rovers after a resilient display, but to the players’ credit heads did not go down and the spirit of the side remained strong as they sought a deserved equaliser.
Harrison has been impressive this season and was again Rovers’ saviour as he was brought down in the box in injury time.
He dusted himself off and made no mistake with the ensuing penalty, sending it crashing down the middle of the goal to make it 1-1 and delighting the travelling contingent of more than 1,500 Gasheads.
He could have even grabbed a winner after that but it was not to be and a stalemate was a fair outcome.
It was important to end the losing sequence and get something from the game, so Rovers could be proud of their efforts. We remain in 15th place in a comfortable mid-table position and will gain plenty of encouragement from this creditable draw.
It showed there is competition for places and we all know Clarke is not afraid to chop and change if he thinks it will benefit the team.
Another tough test awaits on Saturday as Portsmouth come to the Memorial Stadium, followed by a trip to Hartlepool on Tuesday.