Danny Schofield said the manner in which Rovers surrendered the lead against Newport County summed up the pattern of the season for his side.
Rovers led courtesy of Kyle Hurst’s strike but ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Schofield on how the game played out:
“It’s difficult. We’re in a difficult moment with the results not going the way we want them to. I felt there were lots of positives going into half time, leading the game.
“The goals we conceded were really poor. Two long throws into the box and a goal where we were in possession of the ball then give it away and it leads to a counter attack. It seems to be the story of the season. Some of the goals we have conceded are not acceptable.
“We knew the threats and the long throw was a major threat that Newport would pose us and we didn’t have the capability to deal with those moments.
“I felt in the first half we dealt with the direct play well - won the first and got on the second balls. But long throws and set plays are a massive part of football and we’re falling short in the physical component of it.”
On not holding onto the lead:
“We spoke at half time about managing the game in certain moments and certain situations. I said to them that we’ve all got to be accountable, individually, and that includes everyone in the coaching staff and the players. You have to step up in those moments and be capable - whether you’re managing the game, dealing with a long throw. We didn’t, and we fell short.
“There was a lot of choice words between the players, which is good. They’re demanding more from each other and the players are fighting to make sure we can improve and ensure these moments are better.”
On the remainder of the season:
“We’ve got to keep working. We’ve got to move forward quickly into Colchester and put on a performance the supporters can be proud of. The players are giving everything but we’re just falling short in key moments.”
On the vitriol from the stands:
“It’s not ideal and it’s not what you want to hear as a head coach. It’s part and parcel of this role - if you’re not winning football games, it’s going to come. It’s down to me to rally the players for these last two games and really fight for the shirt they’re wearing and restore pride and positivity to performances and hopefully results.
“I’ve said before, internally and where the club wants to go and achieve a vision, it’s really positive. I’ve no doubts that the club is going to move forward in the right direction. That’s something the supporters can hold onto, even if we’re going through a difficult time at the moment.
“It’s very emotional for me, after suffering defeats and the run of form that we’re on at the moment is very difficult. It is tough to take but I’ve got to brush it off and keep working hard with the staff and get the supporters back on board because that is what they deserve.”