A goal from Adam Cunnington has given Bristol Rovers a 1-0 half-time lead over Conference Premier leaders Halifax Town.
Both teams struggled to create any momentum in the early stages, with Paul Marshall's tame free kick for Halifax the closest that either side came to a goal.
Rovers began to threaten towards the midway point of the half as defender Neal Trotman saw a header cleared off the line, but the home side managed to break the deadlock at the other end after 27 minutes.
Jamie White did well down the right side before delivering the ball into the box, where Cunnington was free to nod into the net.
Their lead was almost wiped out shortly afterwards when Marshall fired a venomous free kick on goal, but Rovers stopper Steve Mildenhall got down well to his right to keep the ball out.
Three minutes later, the veteran goalkeeper was back in action to prevent an equaliser for Scott Boden, who was unable to direct the ball past the 35-year-old as the home side managed to hold on until half time.
Darren Plant
