ROVERS completed a memorable week by securing their first league win of the campaign with a pulsating victory over Oxford United on Sunday.

The win was the icing on the cake after setting up a mouth-watering clash with Chelsea in Round Two of the EFL Cup following the defeat of Cardiff in extra-time last Thursday.

The atmosphere at the Mem on Sunday was electric as more than 10,000 fans packed the stadium to see the first home league game of the season.

The players delivered an outstanding performance as we looked strong in all areas of the pitch.

Any concerns about whether we could compete at a higher level were dispelled as we attacked Oxford from the start with plenty of neat, incisive passing. The decision to leave Taylor on the bench was a surprise but Easter looked sharp, showing the strength in depth we have in the squad.

The striker got his reward in the 25th minute with an excellent finish to give the Gas the lead. It looked like we would be taking a deserved advantage into the interval but the Us gained an equaliser shortly before half-time.

With the contest deadlocked, manager Clarke sensed that three points were there for the taking and wasted little time in making changes, including bringing Taylor into the fray from the bench.

He oozed class from the moment he stepped on the pitch and again showed his predatory instincts in the penalty area by scoring what proved to be the winner in the 70th minute.

Although there were a few scares, all of the players can be proud of their efforts and the fans left the Mem having watched an absorbing and entertaining encounter.

The Gas will be looking to continue their rise up the table with another home game on Wednesday against Bolton Wanderers, followed by a trip to Southend on Saturday.

Attention will then turn to the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea next Tuesday, where we will be roared on by a 4,000-strong following.

These are exciting times to be a Gashead and we look more than capable of enjoying another successful season.