Clarke apologises to the fans after heavy defeat

DARRELL Clarke has given his Bristol Rovers players “oldschool” treatment after the Gas conceded four for the second match running in a dispiriting 4-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers.

- MALACHI OBREY

The Pirates had lost their last two League Two fixtures before Saturday, heading into the game off the back of a poor 4-0 defeat at home to MK Dons last time out. Back in front of their home supporters again, it was more of the same for the Gasheads at the Memorial Stadium who witnessed another four goals fly past the Rovers goalkeeper.

After what Clarke dubbed a “rubbish” start, the Gas conceded the opener after 33 minutes when Nathan Smith headed home unmarked in Luke Southwood’s penalty area.

The hosts tried to respond through an effort from Fabrizio Cavegn as he was played into the box by Alfie Chang, however the Swiss striker could not hit the target.

A tough team talk at halftime was unable to pick up the Rovers players as Tranmere doubled their lead just six minutes into the second half, Connor Jennings looping a header over Southwood who was caught in no man's land.

The visiting skipper then doubled his tally 22 minutes later as he tapped home past the Gas goalkeeper, the Northern Ireland international palming a bending shot from Omari Patrick into Jennings’ path.

In the 79th minute, the visitors added a fourth, hitting Clarke’s men on the counter as substitute Josh Davison slid to tap in a cross towards the back post.

Pirates midfielder Chang managed to pull back a consolation goal with five minutes of normal time to play but it was too little too late.

“I apologise, first and foremost,” said a forlorn Gas head coach after the match. “I put a team out there that represents me, and we were so far off it today. Out-battled, out-duelled, outplayed in all areas of the pitch and it’s not acceptable and it'll never be acceptable whilst I’m manager.