Bristol Rovers 0 Shrewsbury Town 0

Last updated : 04 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Luke Rodgers was the star of the show but he could not inspire his Shrewsbury team-mates to victory in a closely fought 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers.

Rodgers was a constant threat to the Rovers defence, showing surprising strength for his small build and displaying boundless energy with numerous exciting runs on a hot afternoon.

But he could not find the finish to match his approach play and ended up with a booking for what the referee considered to be a dive on the edge of the box after 78th minutes. It looked a clear foul and summed up a Rodgers' afternoon.

Shrewsbury boss Jimmy Quinn had more reasons than Rovers manager Ian Atkins to be pleased with his side's performance and result.

Rovers struggled with Atkins 4-3-3 formation and it took them 40 minutes to put a shot on target.

Their biggest threat came from striker Lee Thorpe, who went close on 25 and 48 minutes and there were jeers from home supporters when he was substituted to make way for Ali Gibb on 63 minutes.

Shrewsbury looked extremely strong from the back as the match progressed and always had an outlet with the eager Rogers.

Neither goalkeeper was called upon to make an outstanding save, but it was Shrewsbury who mounted the more meaningful attacks, particularly in the second half.

Rovers struggled throughout to create scoring opportunities and their performance was not one of a top side in League Two.

In the first half the Pirates were restricted to long range efforts, with Stuart Campbell volleying wide in the 17th minute and having another effort saved by Scott Howie shortly before the break.

Howie was one of three ex-Rovers players in the Shrewsbury line-up, the other two being defender Trevor Challis and midfielder Kevin Street.

They went off at the end with smiles on their faces and Rovers supporters showed their frustration having expected to collect three points.