DESPITE a hard-earned point at Wimbledon on Saturday, Rovers remain deep in relegation trouble.

With our appalling away record, having won only one game on our travels all season, a draw was not a bad return and edges us a step closer to safety. However, Northampton’s recent resurgence continues to add to our palpitations and we are only four points away from the dreaded drop zone in 21st place.

Saturday’s performance reflected our form for much of the season – difficult to break down and beat, but lacking attacking ideas and a cutting edge up front. The stats tell their own story, as we mustered only two shots on target and three corners all game.

Mildenhall kept us in the game with some excellent saves and helped to prevent a disastrous defeat with his customary assurance in goal.

New first team coach Darrell Clarke realises the deficiencies of the squad, having pointed out that we have a surplus of defensive midfielders but a lack of wingers. He needs to galvanise the resources he has at his disposal to push us over the finishing line and re-evaluate the playing options over the summer.

Having recently become a father for the first time, I have noticed there are undoubtedly similarities between looking after a newborn baby and watching Rovers. Temper tantrums, worry, anxiety, unable to look away in case you miss anything – sounds like a typical afternoon on the terraces at the Mem. But we wouldn’t swap the experiences for anything and we’re all desperate to see the Gas retain our league status with construction of our new stadium set to start in the summer.

Clarke has five games left to achieve that aim, and with three of those at home, securing another season in League Two should be within our grasp.

Saturday’s game at the Memorial Stadium against bottom of the table Torquay United has taken on added importance as three points will see us reach the 50-point barrier and allow us all to breathe a little easier.

A united front from players and fans is needed to gain a valuable win.