EVERY time fans think Rovers have turned a corner, another setback ensues to prolong the agony.

The same happened this week as the Pirates sunk to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Burton Albion on Saturday.

Following the morale-boosting victory in the FA Cup replay at York the previous Tuesday, hopes were high that we would continue our improved form by returning from the Pirelli stadium with at least a point. That was not to be, however, as a 59th minute strike for the home side was enough for them to clinch the points and leave us returning to Bristol empty-handed.

The repercussions of the result could extend far greater than a failure to win, as two Rovers players – Beardsley and O’Toole – were sent off during the fixture.

Their absence during suspension will leave us desperately short in key areas, when we are already struggling to cope with an injury-hit squad and relying on younger players.

Beardsley’s dismissal may have looked a little harsh as the referee deemed his challenge to be late and two-footed. It may have been more clumsy and ill-timed than malicious but his recklessness still cost us.

O’Toole’s red card was completely unacceptable, as the referee ruled he had pushed his hands into the face of an opponent. We have seen his hot-headedness on a few occasions this season and his indiscipline has been a worrying factor. He let the team down on Saturday, as well as the fans, for giving the referee no choice but to issue his marching orders for a stupid act.

Equally concerning on Saturday was the statistic that we only had one shot on target. This has been a recurring theme of late and Ward must set us up to be more attack-minded if we are to pick up precious wins.

Rovers responded well at Cheltenham on Tuesday night with a spirited display to earn a point in a 0-0 draw. If we can take that attitude and desire into our next match against Wimbledon at the Mem on Saturday, our first win at home since August could be on the cards.