ROVERS gained a vital three points at Telford on Saturday to move back into the Conference play-off places.

It was a scrappy affair that will not go down as a classic, but an ‘ugly’ win was all that was needed to secure a priceless victory.

Ollie Clarke showed his continuing improvement this season with his third goal of the campaign to give the Pirates the points.

We had to dig in and battle throughout the game but the players were up for the challenge, showing commendable spirit and commitment throughout as no quarter was given.

We suffered the setback of losing key defender Neal Trotman to injury before half-time, but we are lucky to have a player of the calibre of Mark McChrystal on the bench who has waited patiently for his opportunity.

Fans would expect to see us rattle in a few goals against a part-time side propping up the division, but we do not have enough firepower to finish off teams.

Ellis Harrison was rewarded for his hat-trick at Dorchester with a place in the starting line-up, but failed to seize the opportunity.

Manager Darrell Clarke knows he needs to strengthen in this position and we can only hope that reinforcements arrive sooner rather than later to make us a more potent attacking threat.

Rovers are now in fifth place, level with Halifax and a point behind Grimsby and Gateshead.

Leaders Barnet are 10 points clear, but we do have a game in hand on them and play them at home later this month.

The aim now must be to stay in the play-off zone and not let Barnet get too far adrift.

If we can strengthen the squad we should be well placed to push on in the second half of the season and consolidate a place in the top five.

Rovers take a break from the league this weekend as they face Tranmere away in the first round of the FA Cup.

It will be a good test to see how the players perform against League Two opposition before the trip to Alfreton next Tuesday, where we will be targeting another away win and three points.