Manager's post match comments on defeat at Portsmouth
Good performances, unfortunately, don’t necessarily bring points and Rovers returned home empty handed from Portsmouth this afternoon in spite of pone of their best performances in recent weeks.
Twice behind in the first half, they fought back to equalise on both occasions, but conceded again after the break and couldn’t manage a third equaliser.
Poor defending let them down, if truth be told, though their hosts would probably say the same about the two they conceded.
One major concern for manager Darrell Clarke was the loss of defenders Danny Woodards and Michael Smith with hamstring and thigh strains respectively.
Speaking after the game, manager Darrell said; “I asked the boys to put a bit of pride back in the shirt and I think they did that.
“I thought that the first half injuries changed the complexion of the game a little bit because at that time I thought that there was only one team that were going to go and win the game and that was us.
“Although we are disappointed with the goals we conceded, the performance restored a little bit of the pride we lost last week against Torquay.
“Today we needed to get our fans back on side and try to win the game. It wasn’t to be, but the players gave their all and that’s what we need to do for the remaining three games.
“We are disappointed with the way we defended all three goals and we should have been better but I have to take the positives from everything today.”
Those positives included the number of chances created.
“I was encouraged by the number of chances we created and I would like to think that, in another game, we would convert more than the two we did today.
“I think anyone at the game would say we deserved something, but it wasn’t to be.”
He feels there is enough spirit and determination in the side to see them over the line.
“After last week’s game we discussed what we needed to do to go about our business. “If the players give me that effort, application and desire, and better defending, then we will be fine for the remaining three games.
“However it’s ok doing it for one performance, but we have to be exactly the same on Monday against a side going for promotion.
“The strong characters in the side need to stay strong and get the others going. We are in their fighting we will keep fighting and the good thing is that our destiny is still in our own hands.”