MIDFIELDER Chris Lines repaid the club for awarding him a new contract by scoring the first goal to set Rovers on the path to another home victory on Saturday.

Many fans took some time to be convinced that he could make the grade after some indifferent performances last season.

But he has improved immeasurably since then and is fast becoming the complete all-round midfielder.

His towering, unstoppable header in the third minute of the game against Hartlepool showed the threat he poses at set pieces, while his rampaging runs from the middle of the park are a constant menace to the opposition.

Add to that his calm assurance when receiving the ball and confident passing and it is no wonder that he was starting to catch the eye of some Championship clubs.

It is always pleasing to see a local lad come through the ranks, particularly one who was a supporter of the Gas before donning the blue and white quarters, so securing his services was an important piece of business by Trolls and Lennie.

The rest of the game on Saturday failed to live up to the early excitement as Rovers ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

A better side than Hartlepool may have made Rovers pay as they missed some decent chances, although Andersen rightly won the plaudits for pulling off a string of fine saves.

Duffy also gave a reminder of his talents with a well taken goal to clinch the game.

The major disappointment of the day was the low attendance of just over 5,700.

As we hadn’t played a game at the Memorial Stadium since before Christmas and have been on a good run of form at home, a gate of over 7,000 should have been expected.

Maybe after such a long run of postponements the fans had forgotten how to get to the stadium or the satnavs they received for Christmas had packed up.

The visit of ex-Pirate Gary Waddock’s Wycombe to the Mem on Saturday offers a great chance for another three points and hopefully more people will be there to watch it.

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