Fleetwood Town 3-1 Bristol Rovers: Same old problems as Gas slump to another defeat

Bristol Rovers' miserable run of form continued with a 3-1 defeat at Fleetwood Town, but the scoreline arguably flattered Steve Evans' side after the hosts wasted several opportunities to make the afternoon even more uncomfortable for the visitors.

There was little to suggest that Rovers are any closer to finding a solution to their problems, with familiar defensive weaknesses, a lack of creativity and the continued reliance on long balls making for another frustrating afternoon.

Fleetwood took the lead in the 37th minute through Aaron Loupalo-Bi, before Rhys Bennett doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half with a header from Harrison Neal's cross.

The Gas struggled to create anything meaningful and, while they enjoyed spells of possession, there was little quality or imagination in their attacking play.

Once again, the long ball appeared to be the preferred option, with Rovers repeatedly bypassing midfield in the hope of finding an outlet further forward. It is a style of football that has become increasingly frustrating for supporters, particularly given Evans' previous insistence that this is not how he wants his team to play. But if it isn't his preferred approach, then questions have to be asked about why it continues to feature so prominently.

Evans also has to accept responsibility. He has had a significant say in assembling the majority of the squad on display at Fleetwood, and cannot simply distance himself from the performances or the football being served up.

There was a brief moment of hope in the 84th minute when Reiss Russell-Denny's looping delivery found its way into the far corner, giving Rovers a lifeline.

However, any hopes of a comeback were ended when Josh Robertson made it 3-1 in the final minute.

In truth, Fleetwood could easily have scored more. The hosts passed up several further opportunities and Rovers were fortunate that the final scoreline did not look even worse. It was another worrying defensive display against opposition who might have punished them far more heavily.

Injuries and suspensions are undoubtedly contributing factors, but supporters were told repeatedly throughout the season that this was a good squad with strength in depth.

So where is that depth now?

If the squad was as strong as we were led to believe, why does the absence of a handful of players appear to leave Rovers so badly exposed? The injury list cannot continue to be used as a convenient explanation for performances that are simply not good enough.

Six defeats in the last seven matches across all competitions makes for grim reading, while five consecutive away league defeats underline just how far this side has fallen.

The FA Cup meeting with Cambridge United now offers an opportunity to respond, but patience is wearing thin.

Supporters were promised a competitive squad, better football and a team capable of challenging. Right now, none of those promises are being delivered.

Evans needs to find answers quickly. The long ball tactics, defensive fragility and lack of consistency are becoming impossible to ignore.

The excuses have to stop. Rovers need performances, results and a clear identity. At the moment, they are falling well short on all three.