MERTHYR Tydfil will feel they benefited most from Saturday's result.
Rovers supporters have good reason to argue.
Not even a bullish display from the Welsh outfit could dilute the feel-good factor that has returned to the Bromsgrove Rovers dressing room.
Reverse back six weeks and the glass would have been half empty after this result.
Taking just a point on home soil from one of your closest relegation rivals is hardly a giant leap to safety.
But the green and white faithful could afford a smile at five o'clock on Saturday afternoon.
Because six weeks ago a Rovers fightback from a losing position would have been as unlikely a footballing event as an unchanged Liverpool side.
Thankfully after Darren Griffiths smashed the visitors into a 52nd minute lead, the Greens were determined to buck that trend.
They found themselves in a position from which the Rovers of October and November would have quite simply rolled over into submission.
Confidence shot, and fearful of steadfast, functional opponents, they were frequently coming up short when required to dig themselves out of a hole.
These traits are slowly being ironed out. Then there is the Victoria Ground factor.
Their famous home is still a long way from being restored to its fortress billing.
But since the keys were handed to Duane Darby and Ian Weaving, fort Rovers has become a difficult place for opponents to win.
The management duo have struck a balance between defensive discipline and expansive counter-attacking play.
A combination of Merthyr pressure and a sodden playing surface produced a major test of the former.
The visitors were dogged, aggressive and constantly snapping at Rovers' heels. Crucially, they were quick to nullify the Greens' key outlets Kevin Banner and Matt Birley.
With their creative force under constant scrutiny and the conditions struggling to accommodate their passing football, opportunities were limited.
Jozsef Jakab chased tirelessly up front searching for scraps to feed off while strike partner Richard Ball looked short of match sharpness after his injury lay-off.
It was at the other end where Rovers could be pleased with their day's work.
Gary Knight was talismanic, while alongside him, Andy Jones continues to impress at the heart of the defence.
And plaudits must go to Chris Duggan, who since moving from Solihull Moors has produced the type of seven out of ten' performances that befit a reliable full-back.
Calm at the back, and menacing when given the chance to roam forward, this week he went one better.
He capped his best outing in a Rovers shirt by setting up Sam Alsop's equaliser with an exquisite cross from deep.
Midfield maestro Alsop got to Duggan's cross before advancing goalkeeper Ashley Morris, and directed a glancing header into the empty net.
The 65th minute strike was Rovers' first real second-half attack, but it was just reward for their continued persistence and concentration in keeping Merthyr at bay.
For the second time in a week the players had shown willing to pick themselves up from a challenging situation.
To Darby's delight, they appeared ready to fight fires for each other.
Things could have got even better following the introduction of Leigh Downing. His fresh legs provided a much-needed injection and Rovers could have won the game from a move he started.
Downing switched the ball brilliantly to Les Hines who quickly searched for Banner on the left.
Banner broke into the area and cut back for Birley but the shot was well saved.
For all their spirit and never say die attitude, a late winner would have flattered Rovers.
But the ability to accumulate points from games where they are under intense pressure is a testament to their renewed spirit.
No longer are they a team that flatters to deceive by displaying brilliance one week before crumbling the next, at the first sight of an opposition built on work ethic.
They finally seemed to be finding the middle ground which had left a gaping hole in their season.
ROVERS: Lewis 7, DUGGAN 8, Hines 6, Bridgwater 6, Knight 7, Jones 7, Birley 6, Alsop 7, Ball 5 (Downing 7, 55 mins), Jakab 6, Banner 5. Unused subs: McHale, Taylor, Benbow, Downing, Cotterill.
MERTHYR: Morris, Williams (M.Griffiths, 10 mins), Davis, Wharton, Rewbury, Dave Griffiths, Harris, Clarke, Darren Griffith (Watkins, 76 mins (Porter, 82 mins)), Steins, Glassy. Unused subs: R.Griffiths.
Referee: Mr R.Burton. Attendance: 444. |