We must keep believing in ourselves, says Bristol Rovers boss Trollope

Paul Trollope is urging his Bristol Rovers players not to allow their five-game losing run to affect their self-belief.

The manager took some consolation from an improved performance in his side's 2-1 defeat at play-off chasers MK Dons, which saw the visitors twice denied by the woodwork before they went down to two goals in the final 20 minutes.

"We are on a bad run but need to keep a strong mentality because, in our five defeats, we have deserved to have taken something from three of them," said Trollope.

"It's hugely disappointing and there is a lot of work to be done – maybe including some personnel changes in the not-too-distant future – but we have to keep believing we are a decent side."

Trollope fielded a 4-5-1 formation at the weekend and said: "The change of shape worked, the players enjoyed it and I think we played some good football.

"You know when you come to MK Dons that the chances you create are going to be at a premium, but we created four or five good ones and also hit the bar a couple of times.

"You need to take one or two of them to give yourselves a chance of winning the game and, unfortunately, we didn't do that.

"We came with the intention of being solid but also passing the ball and causing them problems, and I think we did that. So to go home with nothing is a disappointment."

The turning point came when Peter Leven fired the home side ahead from the spot after Steve Elliott had been penalised for a push.

"Their goal came from a quick corner that we didn't adjust to, which cost us the penalty," said Trollope.

"I have no argument with the decision because from where I was, it looked like a push. But I thought finding ourselves a goal down after the chances we'd had was maybe a bit harsh."

Jason Puncheon added a late second for the Dons before Chris Lines netted a stoppage-time consolation for Bristol Rovers, who have now slipped to eighth place in the table.

"We wanted a progression from last year, when we finished 11th, and we targeted a top-10 finish. From where we are, we are still well capable of that," said Trollope.

"Expectation levels were raised with the early position we found ourselves in. The difference in that period was that we were very good in both boxes.

"We defended very well, produced a number of clean sheets, and were very clinical in the opposition box – our goals to chances ratio was very good

"At the moment, unfortunately, that's not the case and you need to make the most of your chances, especially away from home.

"We know the problems and we know the strategies we need to adopt to come through this period, and we are confident of doing that."

Bristol Rovers now prepare for Friday's first-round FA Cup clash against Southampton at the Memorial Stadium. Season-ticket holders have until 5pm tonight to claim their seats.