Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke believes that his side were missing a "little bit of quality" during their opening Conference Premier fixture against Grimsby Town.

Rovers were held to a 0-0 draw by the Mariners in their first game since relegation from League Two, but Clarke has insisted that he was pleased to have earned a point at the Memorial Stadium.

The 36-year-old told the club's official website: "It was an eagerly fought contest. Grimsby are an established Conference side and it was a good test for us.

"I thought the effort, desire and commitment was there for all to see, but we are just lacking that little bit of quality at times.

"I would have liked to have won the game, but it is pleasing to pick up something from the first game, and now we move on."

Barnet and Eastleigh were the big winners in the Conference Premier on Saturday afternoon, but Torquay United, who also suffered relegation from the Football League last season, lost out to Gateshead.