They would have gone on bended knee for a win to boost their play-off dreams, but those were shattered by a dreadful second-half error from goalkeeper Scott Shearer.
He allowed a hopeful shot from Brian Wilson under his body for an easy goal.
For Cheltenham, the points cancelled out Rovers' last visit win to Whaddon Road a month ago.
Wilson, who could hardly believe his luck, had earlier been brought down a yard outside the box by centre-back Steve Elliott.
Elliott was cautioned and it took two desperately defended corners before Rovers cleared their lines.
This was never a great game in swirling wind and the very first goal kick by Cheltenham's Shane Higgs which arrived on the bounce in the home box signaled the direct tactics.
For a long time Rovers were kept on the back foot although Cheltenham couldn't quite produce a shot.
When at last the home side got their game together Lewis Haldane began to worry the experienced Mickey Bell with his pace.
From one of his crosses Junior Agogo spun and fired in a 20-yard shot which drew an alert dive from Higgs.
With his extra pace on the ball, Agogo shaped up as the difference between two very moderate attacks.
Yet from one through ball from Jon Bass, Agogo knew he should have done better than produce an inaccurate side-foot shot which went several feet wide.
One of Higgs' long clearances brought Cheltenham's Damian Spencer his best shot as he got between the ball and Elliott.
It was a tricky moment for Rovers but Craig Disley dashed in to punt the ball into touch.
There was one even closer call for Rovers when John Melligan made space to unleash a shot but this time Shearer did well to save.