Evans stops the rot as Rovers gain first point in 11 games

Talking points from Bristol Rovers' draw against Crewe at The Mornflake Stadium, by Will Murray

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T'S over. Bristol Rovers' worst losing streak in the league in the club's history has finally come to an end. Steve Evans announced in his first press conference of the week that he needs to fix the "here and now" at Rovers, and he has started well as the Gas look to steer clear of the League Two relegation zone.

It looked like it could be a long night for the visitors when Emre Tezgel opened the scoring for Lee Bell's side after only nine minutes. Callum Morton responded three minutes later, though, and when Adrien Thibaut was given a straight red in the 30th minute for violent conduct, it seemed like a golden opportunity for Evans to enjoy the perfect start.

Rovers had chances to score a second half, but ultimately had to settle for the point, which moved them ahead of Harrogate Town and out of the relegation zone ahead of the weekend's games.

THE ROT STOPPED

IT says a lot that, even though Rovers were playing against 10 men, many Gasheads would have taken a point at halftime lead given the run of form the club has endured over the last couple of months. Despite the man disadvantage, Crewe kept pushing forward and had chances to take the lead, including when Luke Southwood made a crucial stop to deny Josh March.

Evans' first task in his new role was to stop the rot, and gaining a point at a playoff-chasing side, while ending a 10-match losing streak, can be seen as a big step in the right direction. A defeat for Rovers would have made them the first League Two team since the EFL rebrand in the 2004-05 season to lose 11 consecutive games in a row. They have avoided this unwanted stat, and now go into a pair of home games against Bromley and Barnet before the end of the year, with hope they can pick up a first win since late September.

EXPLAINING EVANS' TACTICS