ROVERS moved to within five points of the play-offs after two excellent victories this week.

Oxford’s Kassam Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the Gas in recent seasons and Saturday was no exception as we secured a fantastic 2-1 victory.

The game did not start well as a poor clearance by goalkeeper Smith was seized upon and we were a goal down in just the second minute.

However this team is getting used to fighting back after conceding and it was no different here.

We recovered well, with Lines and Harrison going close with chances.

The Pirates were still a goal down going into the break but the 1,800 travelling fans were confident we would break them down in the second half.

The chance came thanks to new signing Bennett, who shot home in the 68th minute.

We were dominating the game and got our reward in the 80th minute when Harrison volleyed home the winner. Bennett was also instrumental in that goal as he threaded the ball to Ollie Clarke who set up the striker to score.

It was encouraging to see signs the former Portsmouth winger has settled in well as he looks capable of adding goals and creativity to our attack.

The other new signing Craig looked solid and dependable at the back as we completed a deserved victory, with our 17 shots compared to Oxford’s seven reflecting our dominance.

Rovers were not at their best as we hosted lowly Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night but still gained a 3-2 win.

We came from behind yet again as Rochdale took the lead in the first half, but Sercombe and Partington hit back.

The visitors belied their position near the bottom of the table as they responded immediately to level, but a fantastic 25-yard drive from Lines made sure of the points for Rovers We now lie in 11th position and travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.