The goal-shy Gas made it two consecutive goalless draws after drawing away games at Bradford on Saturday and Rochdale on Tuesday, writes Steve Knowlson.

Rovers went to Valley Parade hoping to build on the fine 3-1 victory over Coventry but were ultimately undone by profligacy in front of goal.

Despite having 21 attempts in a lively but low-quality match we only tested the Bantam’s keeper seriously once, when the returning Liam Sercombe struck a low shot from the edge of the area in the 83rd minute forcing a good save from Richard O’Donnell.

Bradford had their moments too, but our on-loan keeper Jack Bonham had a typically strong match to ensure the game stayed goalless.

Drawing a blank on Tuesday at Rochdale was particularly disappointing as we played against 10 men for the entire second half after Dale keeper Magnus Norman brought down Stefan Payne on the stroke of half time.

The Rovers striker had earlier crashed a 20-yard drive against the underside of the host’s crossbar in a first half of few chances.

The Dale substitute keeper Josh Lillis was called into action on a number of occasions in the second half, saving well to deny Liam Sercombe twice but ultimately Rovers had to settle for a point.

On the face of it two points and two clean sheets from two away games is a decent return but Gasheads will be concerned at our continuing lack of success in front of goal.

The return of marauding midfielder Sercombe is definitely a plus point but Payne’s goal drought, the seeming total inability of Tom Nichols to find the net and Kyle Bennett’s inconsistency has led to points being dropped.

Darrell Clarke and Marcus Stewart have their work cut out to rebuild our attacking players’ fragile confidence.

Rovers have tightened up at the back – thanks in no small part to the excellence of Bonham - but a worrying return of four away goals this term means that we’re just one point from the dropzone in 18th place.

Next up is the visit of play-off chasing Walsall on Saturday 6 October.

A home victory will be very welcome indeed.