Defensive frailties still costing Bristol Rovers says Trollope
Paul Trollope blamed "huge defensive frailties" for Bristol Rovers' fourth defeat in their last five away games.
The coach pointed the finger at more sloppy errors at the back as Craig Davies' hat-trick condemned the visitors to a 3-1 defeat at Stockport County.
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Stockport open the scoring against Bristol Rovers
Although the final score flattered the home side after Rovers dominated the second half, Trollope knows the Pirates have to improve on the sort of defending which allowed Davies his two first-half goals.
"I wasn't pleased with the first half and, to be fair to Stockport, they produced some good, attacking football and we found it difficult at times," said Trollope.
"But we didn't help ourselves with some poor bits of defending, especially in wide areas. We didn't show enough patience and were diving in and letting people past us a little bit too easily.
"The second goal just before half-time was a bad one to concede because we didn't get close to stopping the cross or the header.
"We had huge defensive frailties in the first half, although Stockport did play some decent stuff.
"There were some individuals not doing their jobs and, in general, we were a little bit open and didn't cope with their movement well enough.
"It's nothing new. The personnel have changed but the mistakes remain. We felt we had turned a little corner last week, but this shows we haven't and the defending must improve.
"There won't be any knee-jerk reactions but we know we must improve to give ourselves a chance in games."
9 Comments
by Andy, Bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 4:21PM
“Well said John!”
by John, oxford
Monday, December 22 2008, 3:45PM
“Clueless. This is the duo that got us promoted ahead of schedule and to the JPT in their first full season. Then last season secured us in Div 1 and got to the FA Cup Quarter Final. He's helped Rickie Lambert progress from an overweight & unfit Div 2 player to a lean and very fit class striker that will be worth a lot more than we paid for him and has recently bought for £70k a tremendous player at Div 1 level in Joe Kaffour. This is Trolls third full season as a coach. He's still learning but we cannot expect miracles. He has not had s settled defence to select due to illness & injuries! I'd say its the knockers who are clueless! Who would they get in his place and how can anyone be certain they'd do bettter? At some point Trolls will move on - not because he's sacked but because a bigger club will want what he can offer them - a good young coach who given time will realise the potential he ahs. i foe one hope that he stays at the mem for some time yet.”
by Opie, Bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 1:18PM
“Dan, John Ward certainly didn't have a better record.”
by Andy, Bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 1:03PM
“Great so that's City and Charlton to get relegated, any takers for the third and final spot?”
by ben, bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 12:31PM
“as a city fan i really hope they will join charlton, that will be one of the relegation places taken!”
by Andy, Bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 12:05PM
“Maybe it's the personel at the back that need changing rather than the manager. A couple of loan signings in Jan could be on the cards. That said from what I can gather, Charlton are after Trollope and Lawrence so he may not be here anyway!”
by dan, bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 11:28AM
“did you go to stockport? such a poor defensive display YET again and if you look at managers in that league that have been sacked they all have better records than trollope.”
by Andy, Bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 10:50AM
“Don't talk nonsense Dan. If you want to moan go down Ashton Gate, they are getting very good at it!”
by dan, bristol
Monday, December 22 2008, 8:58AM
“same old comment from trolls, lets replace this bloke ASAP he is clueless”