League One FT: Stevenage 2-3 Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers staged a remarkable recovery against Steve Evans's promotion-chasing side on a rainy evening at Broadhall Way.

Matt Taylor's side appeared dead and buried at 2-0 down after only 24 minutes, following goals from Kane Hemmings and Jake Forster-Caskey on a sodden Tuesday evening. at the Lamex.

However, just as a rampant Boro appeared to on the verge of routing Rovers, Pirates' boss Taylor made a tactical switch that changed the entire game.

With Rovers No26 Elkan Baggott struggling to keep pace with Stevenage's early intensity and lively forward line, the canny Taylor switched the 21-year-old Indonesian-born defender with former Chelsea attacker, now veteran Scott Sinclair - pushing the 34-year-old up front to form an attacking g trident with No20 Jevani Brown and No18 Chris Martin, while also instructing his previously beleaguered backline to switch to a three rather than a four.

The move pain dividends immediately as Rovers - now showing far more stability at the back - pushed forward with greater confidence, that saw No11 Luke Thomas pull a goal back to make it 2-1 on 29 minutes.

Worse was to come for Stevenage in the second half, when Martin levelled just after the hour mark, sending their loyal, long-suffering travelling fans into raptures in the away end in front of them.

The coup de grace was applied a mere five minutes later when No21 Antony Evans fired home an absolute screamer from outside the box to put the seal on an outstanding comeback full of character, and no little flair.

There was still time for referee Sunny Singh Gill to send off the visitors No23 Kamil Conteh but Rovers held on for three vital points.

On the night before Valentine's Day it was no wonder Rovers' relentlessly loyal fans broke into a rousing rendition of their club's anthem 'Goodnight Irene' - a paean to unrequited love - sang loud and proud. And deservedly so.

As for disappointing Boro - who now face a huge trip to fallen giants Derby County at the weekend - Evans needs to display all his renowned man-management skills to ensure Stevenage's mini-slump doesn't derail their play-off hopes.