But a creditable goalless draw in the League One play-off semi final first leg was spoiled by striker Paul Heffernan's red card four minutes before the end. He was sent off for a clash with defender Charlie Mulgrew. He is automatically suspended from next Friday's home second leg and cannot play in the final.

Producing a much-better 90 minutes display than at Whaddon Road, where they didn't come to life until the second half, Rovers gave themselves every chance of reaching a Wembley promotion showdown with either Carlisle or Leeds.

It may be a bit too early for Rovers fans to start making plans for a trip to the capital, for effectively it is only half-time in the tie.
But Rovers have to go into the second-leg as favourites, not least because they beat Steve Tilson's side 3-1 at home in December.

"The main thing after tonight's game was to still be in the tie and we are," said manager Tilson.

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"I thought we probably shaded the first half - I thought our energy level was fantastic. They had a bit of possession in the second half without really hurting us too much. I thought it was a fair result.

"Darryl Flahavan did ever so well to stand up when Price got through, but there weren't too many chances. It was a pretty open game but it was pretty tight in the final third.

"Obviously we'd liked to have gone to Doncaster next Friday with an advantage but we are still in titand it is all to play for now.
"We know what we have to do and it's a one-off game.

"It is going to be tough because they are a good footballing side and at times they caused us problems. But our away record is good of late and we've had a great run of games and hopefully we can continue it in the second leg."

Rovers suffered a blow shortly before they left their hotel when influential midfielder Richie Wellens cried off.

Said Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll: "Richie has been carrying his groin injury for some time and it is has been taking him 20 to 25 minutes to feel really comfortable with it.

"We couldn't have afforded to carry someone, even a player of his ability, for 25 minutes.

"It was that fast and frantic in the first 27 minutes that he would have struggled."

O'Driscoll brought Lewis Guy into the starting line-up and played him up front allowing James Coppinger to drop back into midfield.

Guy has not played a lot of first team football of late, neither had striker Paul Heffernan.

O'Driscoll may have had some concerns as to whether both would last the pace on a humid evening but both showed up well before they were substituted and sent-off respectively.

Heffernan was red carded in the 86th minute after appearing to head butt left-back Charlie Mulgrew, who had remonstrated with the Irishman following his tackle on Peter Clarke which left him needing in treatment.

If, indeed, Heffernan made contact with his head it was completely out of character and he will pay a high price if Rovers win through to Wembley.

Heffernan had been one of two unforced changes - the other being Jason Price - and both men justified their selection.

It took time for the midfield of Paul Green, Brian Stock and Coppinger to gell, and the Shrimpers just edged the exchanges early on.
But their strikers Lee Barnard and James Walker got little joy out of the back-four.

Most of Southend's efforts on goal were from outside the area and keeper Neil Sullivan had to make only one save of note in the half.
It was a similar story at the other end with defences again being mainly on top.

Walker had a great chance to break the deadlock in the opening minutes of the second half but shot wide in a one-on-one from the edge of the area.

But that was not to prove a taste of things to come.

It was Rovers who started to take an increasing grip on the game with their high tempo play and movement off the ball.

However, Southend remained dangerous on the break and but for a magnificent tackle by James O'Connor, Barnard could have given his side a 57th minute lead.

Price had an even better chance on 64 minutes after being put through by Stock, but the keeper spread himself well and the ball came off his legs.

"Jason normally puts those away but credit to the Darryl - I think he is one of the best keepers in the league," said O'Driscoll.

"He's short in stature for a keeper but he's bright and he got down well and blocked it."

Price again tested Flahavan on 71 minutes when he chested the ball down and hit a first time 25 yard volley on goal.

Rovers continued to look as though they could snatch it before going down to 10 men.

The Shrimpers tried to capitalise on their extra man but Rovers deservedly held out to finish level.

Around 800 Rovers fans who made the long journey want to make further travel plans support for the play-off final at Wembley on May 25 against either Leeds United or Carlisle United.

All will depend on the second leg will be held at the Keepmoat Stadium next Friday, May 16.

Tickets for the home leg are currently on sale to season ticket holders. They go on general sale to fans with ticket stubs from the last two home games against Swindon and Luton from Sunday.


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