Match report: Bristol Rovers 0, Southend United 1

The Shrimpers – who had manager Chris Powell watching from the stands due to a one match touchline ban – dug deep against the Pirates.

And Hopper’s goal on the stroke of half time secured the Shrimpers their first away win of the season.

Despite the disciplined display from the visitors, Rovers came close to taking an early lead when Liam Sercombe sped down the left hand side and crossed for Tom Nichols to send a well struck volley crashing against the crossbar.

In reply, a Sam Mantom cross soon fizzed across the face of goal before Blues had shouts for a penalty waved away on the half hour mark when Theo Robinson went to ground after appearing to have his shirt pulled by Tom Broadbent.

But, with 40 minutes on the clock, Blues broke the deadlock with Hopper bagging his third goal of the season.

The striker reacted sharply after Robinson’s left wing cross was not cleared and sent a well-directed left footed shot into the right hand side of the net from eight yards.

Moments later, John White’s volley was parried to safety by Rovers goalkeeper Adam Smith at his near post before Robinson’s effort from Michael Kightly’s right wing corner was ruled out for a foul by Michael Turner.

After the break, Rovers threatened an equaliser when Ollie Clarke’s well struck 25 yard shot was parried to safety by Shrimpers goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

But Blues soon replied with Robinson having a header saved by Smith following a left wing corner from Stephen McLaughlin.

In reply, Rovers attempted to work their way back into the game but the Shrimpers stood firm and started to threaten on the break in the closing stages.

Mantom fired over from 20 yards following one such counter-attack before McLaughlin’s tempting left wing cross was somehow diverted over the crossbar by Hopper.

But the wasted opportunities did not prove costly as Blues saw out four minutes of additional time to bounce back from Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat at Luton Town