Torquay United are level with relegation rivals Bristol Rovers after a tense first half at the Memorial Stadium.

Rovers started brightly and ought to have taken the lead, but Chris Beardsley's header from close range was well over the Gulls crossbar.

Torquay, desperate for a victory to keep their hopes of survival alive, almost edged in front in the 10th minute when Anthony O'Connor's effort drifted just wide.

However, the hosts seemed the more likely to score and Beardsley wasted the best chance of the opening quarter when he narrowly missed with another header.

The Gulls, who could be relegated if they lose and other results go against them, almost found a goal themselves when Elliot Benyon's right-footed shot was kept out by Steve Mildenhall minutes before the break.