A POOR performance saw Rovers crash to their second consecutive defeat of the season, losing 2-1 at home to Accrington Stanley.

An expectant crowd at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday was looking forward to seeing some of the new summer signings in action, and although they looked impressive, the team as a whole failed to gel.

We never got going in the first half with Accrington playing better football.

Like the previous Saturday, we conceded an early goal with the visitors scoring in the sixth minute.

They were incisive and quick, while we struggled to mount any serious attacks and looked disjointed.

Our formation did not work with new striker Stefan Payne leading the line on his own. Although he was performing well he needed more support and Bennett playing just behind him was struggling to make an impact.

Rodman and Upson both looked useful but it will take time to integrate them into the side to make us look a more cohesive unit.

Darrell Clarke made some changes in the second half with Lines and Nichols entering the fray, but it did not make much difference.

We had plenty of possession and the players’ efforts could not be faulted, but we just did not look convincing.

It appeared we had earned an unlikely point as a magnificent cross from James Clarke was headed in by Payne to open his account for the Gas with a classic number nine’s goal.

He deserved his reward for a man of the match performance and showed signs he will be a great acquisition, having recently signed from Shrewsbury.

But Stanley were quickly on the front foot again, leaving us looking vulnerable at the back.

McConville scored the winner in the 89th minute with a smart finish to leave the Pirates still looking for our first league point.

Rovers were in action again on Tuesday night as they gained a morale boosting EFL Cup first round victory at the Mem against Crawley.

Goals from Bennett in the first half and Ollie Clarke late on secured our first win of the season, despite a late consolation from the visitors to make it 2-1.

We now travel to Wycombe on Saturday, looking for three points before hosting Portsmouth next Tuesday.