Ward has reason to smile

Bristol Rovers boss John Ward was delighted his side secured their first away point of the season after a 1-1 draw at Southend.

Shrimpers winger Kevan Hurst cancelled out Matt Harrold's opener for the home side to ensure Friday night's League Two game at Roots Hall ended all-square. "Getting the first point on the road is a big thing for us," said Ward. "The games we've lost have all been tight, but we've got something from here now and we're happy with that. "The team's attitude was spot on and we were positive when we could be. "Of course it was disappointing to go ahead and then draw, but it would be hard for me to say Southend didn't deserve something from the game. "They played a big part in a tense match and I'm probably happier than Phil Brown is because you want to win your home games. "However, his team couldn't have tried any harder and neither could mine because both sets of players gave every ounce of effort out there." After an uneventful first half, Rovers took the lead in the 51st minute when Harrold netted against his former side for the fourth game in succession. The Pirates forward was left unmarked six yards from goal and headed home a fine right-wing cross from Michael Smith. Southend drew back level in the 67th minute when Hurst netted a fine, left-footed shot from 25 yards. But the home-side, who had strong shouts for a penalty ignored just before the break when Lee Brown appeared to bring down Jack Payne, have now not won in six games.