FOR a short while, everyone felt good – but by the final whistle those familiar grumbles of concern were swirling around the Macron Stadium.

Josh Vela’s early goal signalled the return of James Brown’s classic blaring from the speakers and seemingly a return to form for Phil Parkinson’s promotion chasers.

The Whites rode their luck to protect their lead to the break but, as so often has been the case this season, they failed to put two halves of good football together.

Jay Spearing’s disappearance at half time was bad enough but when Chris Long saw red at the end for over-reacting to a ridiculous decision from the referee’s assistant, the problems really start to pile up.

It leaves Parkinson’s options looking thin for this weekend’s home clash with AFC Wimbledon.

Bristol Rovers had taken a point from most of the promotion pack, and in that sense perhaps the result should not be viewed so dimly.

A new-look team promised much. Even before kick off there was evidence around the stadium the landscape was changing. Two new companies – Singapore-based Pigeon Barrels and Hong Kong-based Digital Bank – had their name slapped around the ground and it is understood they will be announced soon as the sponsors of the academy.

On the pitch there was a fresher feel about Parkinson’s side, too, with new arrival Reece Wabara starting his first game on the right and Long making his full debut in a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation used through most of the season.

The result? A first half that made for compelling viewing, even if the Wanderers fans occasionally had to watch through their fingers.

Just six minutes in, the familiar strains of James Brown filled the air again as Vela swept home an unselfish pass from Filipe Morais after some great work by Long on the right.

Restored to the number-10 role, Vela took his total to eight for the season and for a few minutes it looked like being a comfortable night.

Morais had a volley saved well by Joe Lumley and then missed a golden chance after Spearing’s quick free kick found him unmarked through the middle.

But if the Whites winger had been a touch on the wasteful side, Rovers striker Ellis Harrison really took the biscuit a few minutes later.

Mark Howard had already looked nervous under a couple of corners, one of which led to Billy Bodin smashing a volley over the bar.

The recently-returned keeper did not have a great afternoon against his former club Sheffield United on Saturday and still had the wobbles when he tried to guide a long ball out for a goal kick, only to have his pocket picked by Harrison.

The Rovers man did not have much goal to aim at but could have taken the ball much further. Instead, his shot skimmed embarrassingly wide.

Nervy goalkeeping aside, Wanderers did look refreshed when they poured forward.

One great break by James Henry teed up a chance for Long, blasted into the side netting. Morais was also a constant threat down the left, producing some excellent crosses once again.

Goalscorer Vela was riding his luck with referee Jeremy Simpson throughout the first half but a needless challenge near the corner flag just before half time ensured a yellow card.

Another blow would follow, as captain Spearing failed to appear for the second half, replaced by Liam Trotter.

Rovers started well in the second half, sub Luke James blasting a shot inches wide of the far post.

Moments later he followed up as Howard made a fine save at the feet of Montano but had a powerful effort cleared heroically off the line by David Wheater.

Wanderers were clinging on to their lead for grim death but with results elsewhere making encouraging reading, it seemed like another crucial night was unfolding in the League One promotion fight.

The 800-plus travelling support sensed an equaliser was on the cards and the ball seemed reluctant to leave the Whites’ half.

Wabara, who had looked composed early on, started to struggle in what was his first competitive game since the end of last season.

He was by no means the only one. The midfield struggled to hold on to possession, simply inviting wave after wave of yellow shirts.

It was a matter of when, and not if, Wanderers cracked. And with 12 minutes left a brilliant slide-rule pass from Bodin found sub Byron Moore, who clipped hit shot over Howard to equalise.

The visitors had certainly not finished. An almighty scramble in the six-yard box saw Tom Lockyer bounce a shot off the post before Howard and his defenders managed to scramble it away.

Long’s sending off capped off a night that was deteriorating fast for Parkinson.

At first glance the striker had a point as the assistant flagged for a foul on full-back James Clarke. His protest went overboard, however, and reports suggest he made contact with the referee which – if true – warranted the award of a second yellow.

Wanderers held out for a point which satisfied no one, not even the travelling supporters who had fancied three.

The Whites, or at least what is left of them, will need to produce more on Saturday if they are going to stop this season slipping into reverse.