John Ward handed a debut to new signing Alan Gow who arrived yesterday from Exeter City. Striker Matt Harrold was missing through injury so Chris Beardsley led the Rovers attack.
The Memorial Stadium pitch was not ideal , but Oxford seemed to deal with the conditions better and deservedly took the lead on 10 minutes through James Constable who was once tracked by Rovers. Gow on his debut had a shot easily saved by Ryan Clark and drove a shot over. Rovers did have the ball in the back of the net but the goal was disallowed due to John Joe O’Toole being in a off side position.
Rovers moved to a 4-4-2 formation in the second half with Gow pushing alongside Beardsley up top, but it was Oxford who nearly doubled their lead. Mark McChrystal’s poor header was picked up by Constable and found Ruffles, however, side-footed the opportunity well over the crossbar. New signing Steve Giilespie was introduced with 25 minutes to go. Rovers did get level with just six minutes to go and once again it was that man John Joe O’Toole who headed home Lee Browns free kick. Rovers nearly picked up all three points but both Beardsley and Brown saw shots go inches wide.
Rovers are in 21st after yesterdays draw, two points above the relegation zone. Next up for The Gas is home clash against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
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