ROVERS battled well but the gulf in class between us and table-topping Gillingham was apparent as the Pirates sunk to their first defeat under John Ward since his return to the club.

Losing to the league leaders was no disgrace and the Gills were made to work hard for their 2-0 victory at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

However the table still makes for grim viewing as the Gas remain at the bottom and it is essential we continue strengthening the team in key areas if we are to pick up points in our bid to beat the drop.

The game could not have started in a worse fashion for Rovers as we went a goal behind to a wonder strike. You could criticise the defence for not marking tightly enough but in truth it was a magnificent goal that showed why they are top of the league.

The Gas responded positively, however, with Broghammer tormenting their defenders and whipping in some dangerous crosses, but the young German needs to work on his final product and improve his awareness of teammates’ positions.

Rovers enjoyed a good spell of possession but found it difficult to break down the Gills’ stubborn defence, led by ex-Pirate Adam Barrett.

We are crying out for a striker with physical presence who can hold the ball up, bring others into play and score goals. Another quality goal for the Gills just before half-time was a killer blow and left us with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Unfortunately the task was to prove beyond us and the withdrawal through injury of Kenneth and Anyinsah showed the bad luck we have suffered this season shows no signs of abating.

News that Kenneth is out for the rest of the season is another blow and highlights the urgent need for Ward to continue his good work in the transfer market so far to recruit the extra players we need to stay up.

The trip to Fleetwood on Saturday presents another tough test but the team needs to go there with victory in mind to secure a crucial three points.

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