Andy Butler says his side must pick themselves up quickly after the 3-0 defeat to Oxford United in Sky Bet League One.
Two goals from Matty Taylor and a strike from Olamide Shodipo ensured a disappointing night for Rovers at the Kassam Stadium.
He said: “I thought we started quite brightly but once they got the first goal our confidence took a hit and all three goals we conceded were avoidable.
“We had a young side out there and a lot of lads learning their trade, it was individual mistakes that cost us.
“We’re disappointed to concede two goals in the five minutes before half-time, it made it a massive task for us to come back.”
Young defender Branden Horton came on for his league debut in the second-half, and Butler praised the 20-year-old’s performance.
He added: “I thought he was excellent when he came on and gave us a real outlet down the left-hand side.
“We always look to take positives and I think the way he came on and applied himself was good to see.”