Substitute Andy Williams earned Rovers a point on his debut.
Paul Trollope handed debuts to Pipe and Jacobson, whilst Williams started from the bench. Rovers started lively and looked to be adapting to League One football well. Rovers were being cheered on by 2,000 travelling fans.
Rovers had the first chance, Rickie Lambert drew a smart save from the Vale keeper. The impressive David Pipe had two efforts that went close, his first effort hit the side netting, and then he headed over from a Jacobson cross.
Phillips then had to be on hand to save well from Jason Talbot. Rovers went straight on the attack in the second half, Rickie Lambert volleyed just wide. Then came the only real minus for Rovers in an other wise positive afternoon for the Gas.
Steve Phillips rushed out to bring down former Rovers loanee Calum Willock and the ref pointed to the spot. Luke Rodgers stepped up to slot the ball home.
Rovers pushing for the equaliser brought on some fresh legs, Haldane came on for Pipe and Williams came on for Lambert. Rovers were pushing hard and then came the equaliser that they fully deserved. Andy Williams headed home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
Paul Trollope
‘I possibly thought we could have won it at the end,’ Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk, ‘Overall I was very pleased with the performance though, especially defensively when we were a lot better than we have been in some pre-season games.’
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Not a bad point that and it seems like we played well and unlucky not to take all 3 points
Yep we should have taken all 3, but still not a bad result