hydraulic gas struts on pop top

[project25]

Hi, Having successfully removed my high top and fitted a Devon side hinged pop top, I was just wondering why the roof has 2 struts at the rear and 1 at the front. I needed new struts and got some adjustable ones from the internet. Ive fitted the vertical ones and adjusted them. All works well but I havent fitted the horizontal rear strut. It does not seem to need it, Im sure if I could get it in then it would rip the rivets out of the hinge. Has anyone left there rear strut off?