U's gassed

United went down to their fourth consecutive defeat, and their ninth game in succession without a win, as a Steve Foster goal after 17 mintues gave Bristol Rovers a 1-0 win at the Manor. United, playing with four at the back, saw Paul Powell returning from injury to replace Neil McGowan at left back and Joey Beauchamp starting instead of Lee Jarman. Jarman did come on at half time, to play in midfield instead of the injured Peter Fear. Simon Weatherstone was taken off for Manny Omoyinmi and near the end Chris Hackett came on for Steve Anthrobus. Frazer Stretton refrained from showing any United players the yellow card. The game was watched by 5,407. A match report can be found hereabouts.

This result leaves United now six points behind Luton after the Hatters drew 1-1 at Bury. The U's are also eleven points from safety after swindon drew 1-1 at home to Wycombe, Oldham and Swansea also shared the points at Boundary Park, Bournemouth beat Peterborough 2-1 at Dean Court, Colchester lost 2-0 at home to Northampton and Port Vale drew 1-1 at home to Millwall.

Stefan Thordarsson scored Stoke's second in their 2-1 win at Wrexham and Andy Thomson scored the second Gillingham goal as they beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane. Nigel Jemson scored the penalty that gave Shrewsbury victory at Blackpool, whilst Ben Abbey came on as a substitute to score twice on his debut for Southend in their 3-1 win over Macclesfield.