ROVERS kept pace with the promotion pack with a well deserved 3-1 victory over Exeter City at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

It was a hard fought win as the players had to dig deep to overcome the threat posed by an impressive Grecians side.

We started well and imposed ourselves on the game much better than the sluggish start on view the previous week against Yeovil.

We were playing some good attacking football and got an early reward in the 13th minute as a Bodin strike nestled into the back of the net.

That settled everyone’ s nerves a little as we knew this was a must-win encounter if we were to maintain hopes of automatic promotion.

The rest of the half was end-to-end as Exeter searched for an equaliser while we tried to extend our advantage.

We achieved that aim just before half-time as a brilliant free kick by Lee Brown soared into the roof of the net to give us a 2-0 lead.

However, we knew we still had our work cut out to claim the points and Exeter came out in the second half with a point to prove.

We were sitting back too much as they piled on the pressure and got a goal back just minutes after the restart.

The game could have slipped away at this stage but the players deserve great credit for fighting back against the Grecians’ onslaught.

The points were made safe when Taylor scored his 28th goal of an incredible season. His pace, trickery and a clinical finish all combined to show once again what an outstanding player he has become.

Despite some nervous late moments, the Pirates held on for a victory that could prove vital as the race to finish in the top three intensifies.

Although Accrington and Oxford both won to retain second and third positions, Plymouth’s shock defeat at home to Dagenham allowed the Gas to move above them into fourth.

Another nerve-wracking afternoon is in store on Saturday as the Gas head to relegated York knowing that nothing less than another win will do.