ROVERS were cruelly denied a point at promotion-chasing Scunthorpe on Saturday after conceding an injury time goal.

With Lockyer and Sweeney on international duty, Broadbent was partnered in central defence by the youngster Menayese and the team looked determined to secure a draw.

Clarke ‘parked the bus’ as he aimed to shore up a leaky back line that had let in eight goals in the last two games.

The Iron clearly showed more attacking intent but we were well organised and produced a stubborn display that was almost rewarded with a well-earned point.

Sadly our resistance did not quite last out as Bishop headed home the winner in stoppage time, meaning we have lost seven of the last eight league and cup games.

We had few moments of note in their final third and only mustered three shots, just one of which was on target.

But we should be encouraged by the improved performance as some of us may have anticipated a defeat by a greater margin.

It came after last Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat to Swindon in the Checkatrade Trophy, that saw us fail to qualify for the next round.

Having exited all cup competitions now it is vital to see an improvement in our league form and the players should need no reminding that Clarke will act in the January transfer window if they do not perform for him.

The loss at Scunthorpe left us in 15th place, but we are only five points off the play offs and five points from the relegation zone, showing how tight the table still is.

News that Bodin is nearing a return following his injury lay-off will be a huge boost as we have missed his creativity and goals during his absence.

We have a perfect opportunity to put the poor run behind us on Saturday as we face AFC Wimbledon at the Memorial Stadium.

They are languishing in 22nd place and although they will be no pushovers, if we play to our potential and put them under pressure from the first minute with a more attacking display, there is no reason we cannot secure three points to boost morale and spirits.