Cheltenham Town 1 Bristol Rovers 2

Last updated : 03 April 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Bristol Rovers moved further away from the relegation zone as they came from behind to beat Cheltenham Town 2-1 at Whaddon Road.

The Pirates have been revived under Russell Osman and followed up last week's thumping victory against York City with another fine display.

The Robins themselves are now being sucked back into the dogfight at the foot of the table after slumping to their fourth successive defeat.

In a lively opening Cheltenham's Paul Brayson drove in a 20-yard strike that was well-saved by Rovers keeper Kevin Miller before Martin Devaney fired just wide.

John Ward's side deservedly took the lead on the half-hour when Brayson crossed for John Brough to smash a shot home.

However, Rovers responded well and equalised just four minutes later when Kevin Austin crossed for Adam Barrett to fire past Shane Higgs and in off the post.

To complete the turnaround the visitors went ahead in the 41st minute.

Austin was again the creator this time crossing for Junior Agogo to head Rovers into the lead.

Cheltenham did everything they could to try to get back into the game after the break.

Brayson was denied by the legs of Miller while at the other end Danny Williams fired over the bar.

Williams then crossed for Gary Twigg to head against the crossbar as Rovers continued to look dangerous going forward.

Miller did well to keep out Grant McCann's free-kick and from the resulting corner tipped Michael Duff's header over the bar.

Agogo almost scored a third for the visitors in the closing stages but Rovers had already done enough to clinch the three points.