Bristol Rovers have earned a 0-0 draw at Wrexham despite defender Mark McChrystal playing more than 50 minutes in goal after an injury to Steve Mildenhall.

The visitors' task was made easier after Wrexham had Rob Evans sent off, but they deserved their point after protecting their stand-in stopper from too much action in the second half.

The opening 30 minutes at the Racecourse Ground were dominated by Wrexham, who were looking to build on the momentum from recording their first win in nine games against Aldershot Town last weekend.

Joe Clarke and Mark Carrington both fired wide during the opening exchanges before striker Andy Bishop had a volley tipped over the crossbar by Mildenhall.

Bristol Rovers finally provided a response through Nathan Blissett, who headed over from close range, but the visitors were dealt a blow when Mildenhall was forced off with an injury, leaving McChrystal to replace him.

However, Rovers' task of recording a surprise result was boosted when Evans was dismissed for the home side after it was deemed that he had dived in dangerously to win the ball in midfield.

Despite being a man down, Wrexham began the second period on top, with Neil Ashton lashing marginally wide of the upright from long range.

As the half wore on, though, Rovers improved and after Lee Brown and Angelo Balanta had squandered efforts, Alex Wall struck the crossbar with a venomous free kick from the edge of the box.

It was Wrexham who ended the match creating the better chances, but after Elliott Durrell had headed over and Connor Jennings had seen a sharp attempt saved by McChrystal, the two teams had to settle for a point apiece.

Written by
Darren Plant