ROVERS’ six-game unbeaten run came to an end at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday as we were defeated 2-1 by a well organised Shrewsbury team.

The first half was fairly nondescript but we were performing well against a side that has surpassed all expectations this season, as they chase an automatic promotion spot.

There was a debut for new Rovers defender Tony Craig in central defence and little to choose between the sides in a tight contest.

The Shrews did look comfortable on the ball and were putting us under plenty of pressure, but we were matching them despite one or two of our players not being at their best.

The second half continued in much the same fashion although Darrell Clarke showed his intent to go for it, bringing on winger Kyle Bennett in place of Ollie Clarke with over half an hour to go.

Although Ollie was not at his best our midfield did look more solid with him in it and as our opponents raised their game they took the lead as Beckles rose above Craig in the box to power in a header.

The players have shown that they are capable of responding after going a goal down and it was no different on this occasion.

They looked determined to hit back as Sercombe set up Partington, who made no mistake with a low rasping drive to level the scoreline on 65 minutes.

The game could have gone either way from then on and most fans would have happily taken a draw.

But Shrews gained a late winner as Rodman ghosted past Mensah, who had come on as a substitute in place of Gaffney, and cut in from the wing to slot home on 88 minutes.

His solo run was impressive but it was disappointing that we failed to close him down and defend better.

The substitutions had proved costly and we had been outfought by a tough Shrewsbury side who had a bit too much know-how and guile for us to break down.

The defeat saw us slip to 13th but we will look to bounce back at Oxford on Saturday before hosting struggling Rochdale at the Mem next Tuesday.