Pirates are sent down

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With Northampton and Wycombe both securing victories, even the support of a 10,000-plus crowd was not enough to keep the Pirates in Sky Bet League Two.

The goal the home fans were dreading came nine minutes before the break when Anthony Howell crossed from the left and Daniel engineered space to hook a volley in off a post from 12 yards out.

Rovers threw everything at their opponents in the second half and hit the woodwork twice through a David Clarkson header and a Mark McCrystal volley.

There were countless other near misses for the hosts, as well as a stunning save by Lewis Price on 56 minutes to keep out a Clarkson shot.

The home side made a bright start to the second period with Chris Beardsley and Matt Harrold spurning scoring opportunities. But as the first half wore on tension transmitted from the stands.

Some ugly scenes after the final whistle saw police horses come on the pitch to deal with angry Rovers supporters, who vented their fury at relegation.