No Carling Cup trip to Blackburn...

So the Gas lost tonight and won't be travelling for a third round tie at Ewood Park in September, but they were by no means disgraced against their League One opponents and after turning around a 2-0 deficit in the 91st minute, they tried to go on and win it before Extra-Time. Their downfall though was slack defending, for the third time in the match, which allowed Orient to net a 94th minute winner.

Rovers showed great fight to reverse the 2 goals they had conceded in the first half, something which I'm sure will be a vital characteristic to have in the squad throughout the season. As Paul Buckle said post-match, every player out there would have 'died' for the club tonight - which is something he, the back-room staff and all fans want to see.

We fell behind when poor defending allowed Dave Mooney to run through and lift the ball over the oncoming Scott Bevan before Wayne Brown conceded a penalty which was converted by Ben Chorley for 2-0. Rovers were deflated for the rest of the first half but when the two sides came out for the second period, it was clear very early on which side were going to be on top. Rovers got themselves back in the game with 20 minutes left as Chris Zebroski went on a fine run from the half-way line, taking on 3 players before making his way in to the box. He lost possession momentarily, but Wayne Brown knocked the ball back in to his feet and the striker slammed home an unstoppable effort in to the top corner past David Button. I was absolutely delighted to hear Zebs had scored and I'm sure that that confidence boost will help us to see what he's really all about and be the first goal of many for him at Bristol Rovers.

Rovers left it late, but finally got the equaliser their play deserved. The ball was pumped in to a crowded Orient penalty area in the 91st minute where Brown was on hand to set the ball in to the path of substitute Eliot Richards and the young forward fired home superbly from 10 yards, to the delight of the travelling Gasheads behind the goal. From that point, Rovers went gung-ho for the winner but in doing so, left themselves susceptible to the counter attack, something which Orient exploited in the 94th minute. Jonathan Tehoue ran through before playing the ball through the legs of Michael Smith and in to the feet of captain Stephen Dawson, who cut inside and smashed home to send the home side in to the next round of the cup.

Heartbreak for Rovers. Or was it?

It was a positive performance that highlighted the strength in depth we possess this season. 2 of our strikers scored their first goals of the campaign which will be a massive boost to their confidence and we were also without Matt Harrold and Joe Anyinsah through injury - both of whom are massive players for the club. Unfortunately Adam Virgo sustained an injury during the game and it is unclear how long he will be out of action for. Fingers crossed not long.

Another positive of tonight's game was the display of new signing Danny Woodards in the heart of defence. He sounded like he played excellently well on his debut, which gives me plenty of optimism for his Rovers career.

All in all, tonight could be a real positive for the side in the long run and in the short-term as we prepare for our away trip to Crawley on Saturday. They lost in JPT action this evening to make it back-to-back defeats for them, I'm hoping we can make it three on the bounce with a comprehensive victory on Saturday...

Please!