Trollope hails players as Bristol Rovers end losing run in dramatic fashion

Paul Trollope hailed the spirit of his Bristol Rovers side after they twice fought back from behind to end their six-game losing run with a last-gasp winner against Carlisle.

And the manager is urging his players to ensure their dramatic 3-2 victory is a turning point in their season.

Trailing 2-1 with eight minutes left, the Pirates levelled through Jeff Hughes and then saw Chris Lines bundle home the winner from a corner deep into stoppage-time.

"It could be a turning point in our season," said Trollope.

"After the bad run we have been on, we knew we had to turn things around – but it might take a little bit of luck, a fantastic bit of skill or a last-gasp winner to do it.

"The finish of the game, and the way we won it, can hopefully change the mentality of the whole group."

Trollope praised the part the home fans played in sticking with the side.

"We knew this was a very important game for us and there was an expectation of a win after the run we have been on," said the manager.

"When you have lost six on the spin and you go 2-1 down at home, it is a difficult place to be.

"I have to give credit to the fans because despite those two factors they really got behind us and made a difference.

"The support they gave us when we were 2-1 down and trying to get back in it was fantastic – they played a big part in that final spurt we managed to put on.

"We knew we had the spirit, we have had a few set back in recent weeks, but the spirit and reaction has been very good."

Trollope acknowledged that Bristol Rovers still have defensive problems that need sorting out.

"The goals we conceded were poor, and I think Mikkel Andersen got us out of trouble twice early on as well, which just highlighted the defensive work we need to carry out," he said.

"We are delighted with the win but again it has highlighted a lot of work we need to do in defensive areas.

"I don't think it would have been possible to do more work on set-pieces than we did in the week, and to concede in the manner we did was down to individuals and not a collective thing. It must stop.

"We talk about transferring the training and the coaching we do into games, but sometimes when you are on a bad run it is difficult to do that.

"To concede from a set piece after all we had done was a real blow.

"We have not been good enough defensively, and that has not been solely (due to) the back four. We have asked for a work ethic right from the front two.

"There are issues in our defending, both in set-pieces and open play, that need to be addressed, and that is an area we are looking at.

"I am sure Carlisle must be feeling a little hard done by, but I have to give credit to the players for their spirit and their drive to keep going under difficult circumstances.

"We have remained positive and the players have shown a very good mental strength.

"We have played better and lost, but we knew it may take a bit of a scruffy win to get us going again.

"We will take it, work hard and hopefully be better next week."

Bristol Rovers were missing winger Mark Wright with a knee injury on Saturday, but expect him to be back in contention for next weekend's home game against Gillingham.

They handed a first league start to youngster Ben Swallow and Trollope said: "Ben gave us a good width and produced one or two crosses in the first half.

"He tired a bit in the second period, which you would expect, but he can be satisfied with it."