The Glenn Keeley column

THE best thing Rovers can do tonight is to put the Southampton game well and truly to the back of their mind.

There were plenty of positives to take out of it, such as how well they competed and played, and at times even looked like the home side.

The result was a travesty, but they were undone for two reasons. Number one: the referee's dreadful penalty decision and, number two: their inability to defend balls into the box very well.

In my opinion, Rovers are still defending too deep, and they can't afford to miss the ball or let it bounce. You've got to be first to the ball and deal with it as a unit.

Outside their own penalty area though, they did well.

Barry Ferguson scored a lovely goal, and Jon Stead's delivery which led to Paul Dickov's goal was absolutely superb.

When you score twice away from home, you expect to get something out of the game.

But the referee did his job badly and Ferguson is going to pay for it.

Not only did we lose the game and a vital point, which could easily have been three points because Rovers had their own penalty appeals turned down, the captain is missing for tonight's trip to Arsenal.

In the current circumstances, getting anything out of this game is a bonus because, while we have a good record at Highbury, the Gunners are still firing on all cylinders.

True, their incredible run has got to end sooner or later, but to go 3-1 down then win 5-3 against Middlesbrough makes them appear almost invincible.

And if you succeed in stopping Thierry Henry, there are plenty of other players on the pitch queuing up to do some damage because they are such a strong outfit.

Rovers have been a thorn in their side in the past, but I think it's the games against Manchester United and Newcastle where they could be really looking to pick up some points.

Newcastle have got their problems, United aren't the force they once were and I really feel we could get something out of those two games.

I hope their confidence hasn't gone downhill.

There's no point worrying about what might have been. You've got to write off what happened against West Brom and Southampton because it's gone.

Rovers should focus on their forthcoming games, and five points from the first five fixtures wouldn't be a bad start given their opening run.