IN his first Conference game in charge Steve Davis achieved what had been beyond all previous Vics managers - by securing a first-ever point from "The Lawn".

Despite Vics record 500th Conference away fixture being played in blistering heat, both teams battled commendably to the end.

Vics attacked early, with Jonny Allan, recently returned from his trial at Tranmere Rovers, releasing Steve Garvey and then almost getting onto the end of Garvey's cross - but Steve Jenkins denied him with a brave diving header.

With 10 minutes of the first half remaining Thompson helped the ball on to Allan who cleverly beat his marker before forcing Steve Perrin into the best save of the game.

Rovers began the second half strongly, with an early mistake by Jon Richardson almost letting in Thompson, only for the former Grimsby Town striker to stumble.

And when an attempted clearance from Brazier rebounded off Grayson to the unmarked Gilroy, 10 yards from goal, only a superb last ditch tackle by Foran prevented an almost certain goal.

Late efforts from young Vics striker Allan and Rovers substitute Rob Cook failed to find the net and the contest ended in a deserved draw.

Steve Davis will have been pleased with an improved defence, superbly marshalled by Phil Brazier, which kept a clean sheet in the Conference for the first time since September 2002.

Team: Woods, Woodyatt (Brough 69), Brazier, Foran, Royle, Owen, Blackburn, Devlin, Garvey, Allan (Ward 87), Thompson. Subs not used: Connett, Came, Charnock. Attendance: 628. Star man: Chris Blackburn.