TEN games to go at the end of last season, Bristol Rovers were four points clear at the top of Division Two and more than 10 points ahead of the final play-off spot.

But an inexplicable loss of form saw them pick up just six points from their remaining games.

A dismal 1-0 defeat by the already-relegated Cardiff City in their last game of the season pushed them into seventh place and killed off their Wembley dreams.

To make matters worse for Rovers' fans, the two strikers who put them into contention last season have since left.

Jason Roberts signed for West Brom for £2 million and Jamie Cureton was snapped up by M4 rivals Reading for a knock down £250,000.

The result is a Rovers side who this season show promise but lack the flair that brought them spectacular results like the 5-0 drubbing of Oxford at the Manor Ground in January.

The side has struggled at home, recording draws in all their games apart from the 1-0 defeat against Northampton last week.

The one bright moment was the Worthington Cup penalty shoot-out victory against Everton, achieved in driving torrential rain in front of a capacity 11,000 crowd, which has set up a home tie against Sunderland early next month.

Manager Ian Holloway's job has also been hampered by a chronic injury list which has already forced him to play 25 players this season.

His main problems are in the centre of defence.

Former Town centre-half Andy Thomson is out for six weeks with a stress fracture of the foot, Steve Foster is suspended, Mark Foran has pulled a groin, Scott Jones is doubtful with an ankle knock and Che Wilson also has problems with his ankle.

Midfielder Luiss Hogg, who scored the equaliser in the cup match at Everton, is also missing while long-term injury casualties Dave Pritchard and Ronnie Mauge are still nowhere near a return.

Striker Martin Cameron is recovering from a broken leg and midfielder David Hillier is also fighting to earn his first start this season, but neither are expected to make an early return.

Influential young midfielder Simon Bryant was back for Tuesday's uninspiring 1-1 draw against Rotherham and could continue against Town.

It is enough to give Holloway a headache.

"I was not happy with the first half performance against Rotherham on Tuesday and I want to see more of the fire and passion we showed in the second half," said the Rovers boss. "It is difficult for us at the moment because we do have so many injuries but we have to put that out of our minds.

"We need to play together as a unit and do our jobs properly. If we do that then we have a chance."

Holloway, however, has been able to attract some new talent to bolster his ravaged squad.

Striker Mickey Evans joined for £250,000 from West Bromwich Albion after an initial loan spell and scored the goal against Rotherham.

Danny Allsopp has arrived on loan from Manchester City and Manchester United goalkeeper Nicky Culkin, who jokingly came onto the pitch to warm-up last Saturday wearing a motorcyclist's crash helmet following a series of head injuries in recent games, is in the team for a year before returning to Old Trafford.