ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points after the 2-2 draw with Preston North End at Ewood Park.

JOAO AND EMNES
THE pair seem to have struck up a quick bond both on and off the pitch since Joao’s arrival from Sheffield Wednesday in January.

There is an element of mystery about both of the two Rovers strikers, but after an opening 15 minutes in which neither could get hold of the ball, they were a menace to the Preston defence thereafter.

Joao twice went close to adding to his recent impressive goal tally in the first half, while Emnes came up with a lovely assist for Craig Conway.

However, there needs to be that end product to their fancy footwork and flicks. Joao left three Preston defenders on the floor in the first half, only to fluff his shot, as Rovers’ inability to hit the target from the edge of the area continued.

DRAWING GAMES

WINNING games is proving elusive for Rovers who drew for a fourth consecutive match, and fifth time in their last seven.

It was a third 2-2 draw within the space of a week and all provided differing emotions.

The Norwich draw left fans feeling philosophical, as despite the missed opportunity with against 10 men for over an hour, going to Norwich and getting a point at Carrow Road wasn’t to be scoffed at.

The mood in the camp was high after their last-gasp equaliser at promotion-chasing Fulham, but there was no denying the disappointment as two points were tossed away against Preston.

With games against two of the top five in Brighton and Reading to come it won’t be easy, but Rovers need to find a way of picking up three points and transferring the pressure to their relegation rivals.

TWO FROM FIVE?

A SECOND win in the space of a week for Wolves has eased their relegation fears somewhat, meaning it could well be a case of two from five when it comes to the relegation spots.

Rotherham are all but relegated, while another defeat leaves Wigan seven points from safety.

They shouldn’t be discounted however, with still eight games and 24 points to play for, while Birmingham and Ipswich, on 45 points, will still be casting glances over their shoulders.

But Rovers’ immediate rivals look to be Nottingham Forest, Burton and Bristol City, all who are locked on 41 points, one more than Tony Mowbray’s side.

With Rovers facing the Forest and Bristol City next month, those games could well have a big say on which sides drop down to League One.