Matty Stevens stamped his 100th FGR league appearance with a goal as Rovers earned their first point of 2024, drawing 1-1 with AFC Wimbledon. 

Troy Deeney made a double change to his side that lost at Swindon Town on Friday night, welcoming back Callum Jones and Jordan Moore-Taylor to the starting eleven. 

It took Stevens just three minutes to add a goal to his landmark afternoon when he met a delicious Kyle McAllister cross to head past Alex Bass. 

But Wimbledon were level on 12 minutes Ali Al-Hamadi rounded Luke Daniels to slot the ball into an empty net. 

An end to end opening forty-five almost saw Rovers back in front late on when Dom Bernard dinked a cross towards Callum Morton, but his headed effort was well tipped over. 

Then straight down the other end Al-Hamadi could’ve had a second but was denied by the post after some mesmerizing footwork. 

Just after the hour mark, Rovers were denied the lead when Morton’s close ranged effort was well diverted away from goal by Wimbledon’s defence. 

Rovers threw everything at Wimbledon late on and came agonisingly close to stealing all three points. 

On 86 minutes, Matty Taylor saw a volleyed effort bobble just wide before he had a close ranged attempt deflected wide moments before time.  

From the resulting corner there was a scramble in the Wimbledon area which saw Rovers have two attempts cleared off the line before the referee ended an enthralling encounter. 

It’s another big League Two clash for Deeney and Rovers on Saturday as we travel to the Peninsula Stadium to take on Salford City.