Football Tactical tweaks that Clarke hopes will get the Gas back on track

It was another defeat for Bristol Rovers on Saturday, as they lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town at the EV Charger Points Stadium. The Gas have now lost seven consecutive games in League Two, dragging them only two points above the relegation zone.

- Will MURRAY [e-mail]

Despite the poor run of form, performances have improved slightly in recent weeks, especially against Gillingham and Cheltenham.

Darrell Clarke, pictured, made some noticeable tactical tweaks on Saturday, and we thought we'd break them down ahead of the game against Notts County this weekend.

A FORMATION CHANGE - CLARKE SWITCHES TO 3-5-2

CLARKE'S preferred shape in recent games against Bromley, Gillingham, Accrington, and Cheltenham has been a 3-4-3, which can only be seen as a 3-4-2-1, with the two wide forwards often drifting inside.

Against Steve Cotterill’s side, Clarke shifted to a 3-5-2, opting for three midfielders and a front two of Fabrizio Cavegn and Ellis Harrison. Kamil Conteh, who scored two in as many games against Plymouth and Accrington, came in to partner Joel Cotterill and Alfie Chang, and the trio dominated the midfield for large periods on Saturday.

One of the major downsides of the system was the lack of width and reliance on Macauley Southam-Hales and Jack Sparkes to create chances from wide areas. Both wing-backs did this job well and impressed, especially in the first half, but Rovers were unable to score past Joe Day on another frustrating afternoon.