Date published: 03/03/2010

County suffered a narrow defeat to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening. The only goal of the game came after half an hour when Adam Griffin's mis-timed clearance fell to Rovers’ unmarked John Hughes, who struck the ball into the corner of the net.

The visitors could have equalised on a couple of occasions before the break. Jemal Johnson forced a good save from Rhys Evans in the Rovers goal and Evans also denied David Poole, with a follow-up from skipper Dave Perkins blocked by Steve Elliott.

County were without Johnson, who had sustained a muscle injury just before half time, in the second half, but still pressed forward, creating several half chances.

The key moment in the game came mid-way during the second half when Rovers’ defender Jones brought down Poole in the area for what looked like a certain penalty. The referee’s decision to award a goal kick instead brought strong protests from the players.

With less than ten minutes to go County could again have equalised, when, under pressure, Evans failed to hold on to a cross and Ibehre and Poole saw their close-range efforts blocked in the resultant melee.

A disappointing night was completed when Poole was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time. He will now miss the trip to high-flying Charlton Athletic on Saturday, a game which County must win if they are to keep alive their slender hopes of avoiding the drop to League Two.