Paul Trollope admitted this afternoon's game between Rovers and Hartlepool United was not one for the football connoisseur.

The first team coach said after the final whistle that the spectacle would not have enticed fans back to the Memorial Stadium, with no goals all game and very few chances at either end of the pitch.

Paul described the game as "untidy" in large parts, and stressed that the deteriorating playing surface is becoming an increasingly significant factor in how home games pan out.

"That won't bring the fans back, that's for sure," Paul told bristolrovers.co.uk, "It was an untidy game and not attractive in any way. We lacked a threat to score a goal, and at times we had to defend well to keep them out.

"The pitch was a huge factor in what happened out there, I've defended it on many occasions, but it's drying out now and there is grass in some areas and not in others so it's very uneven. That, allied with the wind, made it very difficult, but as ever it's not an excuse.

"We did create some chances, particularly in the first half when we had some good spells, but as I've said 20 or 30 times this season, we didn't take them. Hartlepool were always a danger on the counter, and we had to be wary of that.

"They came here and played five in midfield, which is the way a lot of teams are choosing to go when playing us. They pressed the ball well, and made it difficult for us.

"But we've got to be able to adapt to that, and learn how to beat teams and get in behind them when they come here with five in midfield. And today, when we did that on a few occasions, we looked dangerous.

"This is a crucial time of the season, and it was crucial that we didn't lose. It's probably the best thing now that we've got three away games in seven days because it gives us a chance to play on some nice surfaces and hopefully pick up the points we need."

Rovers travel to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, AFC Bournemouth next Saturday and then Walsall a week on Tuesday.