First team Coach Paul Trollope declared himself satisfied with this afternoon's pre season friendly against Torquay at Plainmoor, but admitted there was still room for improvement.

Joe Jacobson beat home keeper Michael Poke from 30 yards to give Rovers a first half lead, but Tim Sills equalised for Torquay after the break and the match ended all square at 1-1

"It was a very good workout, and was the type of test we were looking for. Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk

"It was the first hot training session, or game, we've had and the playing surface was a little bit long and sticky, which made it an interesting afternoon for us.

"Torquay are a strong side, with a great deal of league experience in their team, and there were probably one or two of them who wanted to prove a point and the equalising goal was probably deserved.

"However we were able to give some of our players their first ninety minutes of action so far, whilst most of the others played 60 or 70 minutes, so we were pleased with that and hope to build on it next week."

Paul was happy with some of what he saw this afternoon, but feels that there are areas that need to improve before the season begins.

"There were quite a few bits and pieces, and individuals, we were pleased with. On the other hand, though, there are some things we need to iron out and work on and a few individuals need to do better if they are going to come with us. It's early days, but we are looking for a level of performance, and a quality, that's going to see us in the top half of League One and some showed it and some didn't."

Welsh U-21 skipper Joe Jacobson scored hois second goal of the week, with a superb strike that drew praise from his boss.

"It was a fantastic goal from Joe, to add to the one he scored against Weymouth on Wednesday. It was a good strike from distance and, on another day, I think we could have scored two or three more.

"Torquay hit the post with a good chance just before their equaliser, but we knew it was going to be a tough game. This was their fourth pre season friendly, so they are a little bit further advanced than we are, but I'm pleased with our performance."

The summer signing of Darryl Duffy has added to competition for places up front but Andy Williams, on as a second half substitute for Rickie Lambert, showed that he will be in contention for a place in the side. he went close on four occasions, but was denied a goal by home keepePoke.

"There's competitoion there, but Andy made an impact in the second half. His pace and his movement caused Torquay a few problems, and he showed some bits of quality. He also hit the target, and the keeper made some good saves from him.

"That will give Andy a lift. He struggled for a goal in spells last season, but still has the quality we saw in him when we bought him. He's been with us for a year now and, hopefully, he's older and wiser and this could be a big season for him.

"His movement and touch is very, very good and he's a good size. He does need that confidence in front of goal and hitting the target today, and playing so well, will only add to that. We have three games in which he'll get a lot of action next week and, hopefully, he'll get a goal or two to really boost him."