The league fixture took place on Saturday at the Peter Hodson Community Ground, in misty, gloomy conditions.

Rovers had collected only one point from their previous six matches, while Knowle had taken two points from three after winning their opening eight games.

The visitors began the afternoon second in the table, but neither side looked capable of imposing itself during a largely uneventful first half.

Chances were scarce, although Zane Campbell cut inside from the left and forced a good save from Knowle goalkeeper Matt Horton.

Just before the interval, referee Michael Dunkley dismissed the away side’s appeal for a penalty after a challenge involving Hayden Purves.

The match changed shortly before the hour when Rovers full-back Alfie-Ray Turner stayed down following a challenge.

Both benches called for play to be stopped, but the referee allowed the game to continue until the ball eventually went out.

Matty Allan then received a ten-minute sin-bin punishment after voicing the home side’s frustration at the decision.

Rather than pushing the visitors back, Rovers attempted to manage the game from deep and invited increasing pressure.

Jack Mason produced an excellent save to keep the hosts level, but Knowle continued to threaten before taking the lead after 70 minutes.

Captain Jack Duggan’s effort appeared to be heading wide, only for two deflections to send the ball looping over Mason and into the opposite corner.

Rovers’ task became harder five minutes later when Tim Momodu, recently cautioned, committed another rash challenge and was shown a second yellow card.

Seb Hayes introduced Declan Rogers and Micael Goncalves in a desperate attempt to rescue the contest, but Knowle saw out the remaining minutes as the fog thickened.

Rovers now face successive away games against Lutterworth and Highgate United before hosting fellow strugglers FC Stratford on November 21.