Darrell Clarke slams ‘soft’ Bristol Rovers after defeat to Accrington

Manager Darrell Clarke is “hurting” after Bristol Rovers registered a sixth successive League Two defeat with a 3-1 loss at Accrington.

Stanley opened the scoring after six minutes when Shaun Whalley’s cross was struck home by Everton loanee Isaac Heath.

The Gas equalised with a wonder goal after 59 minutes through Kamil Conteh’s 20-yard strike.

Accrington regained the lead after 72 minutes with Farrend Rawson forcing the ball home at the far post before, five minutes later, Isaac Sinclair stroked home the third.

Clarke said: “We are so soft it’s unbelievable, the goals we concede are awful goals.

“The first goal was unacceptable, we didn’t track the runner. Then it’s a great strike from Kamil and it looks like there is only one team going to win it but we give them two soft goals, from a set piece and an individual mistake.

“It’s not good enough. I will find the answers but at the moment it makes for long afternoons and it’s a painful process and that’s why we have lost so many games on the spin.

“We are so easy to score against. It’s a tough job but I am used to tough challenges. This is hurting at the minute but I know where we will be heading.

“I take the criticisms on board and I apologise to the fans for the result and the way we defended but we will work hard and try and get the place going again.”

Stanley leapfrogged Rovers on goal difference in the bottom half of the table.

Manager John Doolan, who was booked in the second half for contesting a decision, said: “We challenged the lads as we knew we needed to win this game with both our positions in the league.

“We also challenged Isaac Heath and Isaac Sinclair to chip in with more goals and assists and they have done that.

“The second goal was crucial and I was pleased for Faz Rawson for the work he does for us and how solid he is at the back. He is a threat in both boxes.

“Isaac Sinclair is quality, he has come from non-league in the summer and has played almost every game. He has an impact, he has energy, he is robust and he gives you quality.”

Stanley have taken leads in their last three league games but haven’t won any of them so Doolan was pleased they picked up their first league win in four.

He added: “We saw the game out, we stood up it, and it was important for our mentality to win the game and move up the table.

“We are five games unbeaten in all competitions and we have some momentum now.”