On an absolute sandpit of a playing surface, Rob Street's early goal proved the difference as Rovers ended a three-game losing streak in all competitions - although they had to weather a mini-storm when Jack Senior was dismissed on 70 minutes.
Grant McCann's side, showing three changes including Street starting at centre-forward, started like a house on fire - and Street was in no mood to waste any time. He came close with two attempts inside the opening 90 seconds before making it 1-0 after three minutes.
Luke Molyneux dropped a shoulder and whipped in a cross that Street glanced home for his fourth goal in Rovers colours.
What followed was a glut of chances which came and went for the visitors. Street could easily have had another whilst Owen Bailey saw an effort from close-range kept out by substitute home 'keeper Harry Burgoyne.
That profligacy allowed the hosts to try and assert themselves on the contest and they came mightily close right on the cusp of half-time when Ged Garner narrowly missed making full contact from just a few yards out.
Street came mightily close to a second just after the restart when he controlled a superb George Broadbent through-ball, rounded the goalkeeper and hit a post.
The came became more open as the minutes ticked by but with 20 minutes to go the visitors were hit with a hammer blow when they were reduced to ten men. Senior was shown a straight red card for a sliding lunge on a Morecambe man midway inside the Rovers half.
Thankfully, the hosts couldn't muster an equaliser as Rovers held out for a precious win. Here's how we rated the Rovers players:

9. Rob Street 9
Deployed as a centre-forward from the start and wasted zero time showing his ability. Notched inside three minutes and was a nuisance all game. Superb from the loanee. Photo: Craig Hawkhead/AHPIX LTD

10. Luke Molyneux 7
Good assist as he dropped his shoulder and picked out Street with a fine centre early doors. Some other notable moments as he gave the hosts plenty to worry about. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD

11. Jordan Gibson 7
Some nice flashes as he broke at speed in the first half. A great change of pace as he ran through just after the hour mark but lifted a shot just over the bar. One of many to significantly ramp up his output after Grimsby. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD

12. Tom Nixon 6
A reshuffle after Senior's dismissal saw him thrown on and he chipped in to play his part in keeping the shut-out. Photo: HOWARD ROE

