Jamie Lindsay’s stunning second-half goal eased the pressure on Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor as the West Country side overcame Shrewsbury 1-0 at the Memorial Stadium.
Shrewsbury edged the first half but ex-Rovers striker John Marquis failed to round goalkeeper Josh Griffiths when clean through and then George Lloyd saw a shot deflected to safety before firing wide from close range.
Lindsay made them pay as he put the Gas in command after 52 minutes in emphatic style.
The Scottish midfielder expertly thumped a rising shot past Toby Savin from just inside the penalty box after being set up by Shaq Forde.
Paul Hurst’s visitors responded strongly but were denied an equaliser when Rovers striker Promise Omochere cleared Aaron Pierre’s goal-bound header off the line.
Omochere almost doubled the lead moments later but was thwarted by the crossbar after lifting the ball over Savin following impressive work by Watford academy product Forde.
Shrewsbury substitute Tom Bloxham thought he had equalised late on but his celebrations were cut short by the offside flag after his 20-yard effort beat Griffiths.
At the other end, Rovers substitute Luke Thomas saw a shot smack off the crossbar as the hosts ended on a high to leave the Shropshire side third-bottom of the table.
