ROVERS crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Sheffield United on Saturday after a promising first half display had raised hopes that an upset may be on the cards.

The Gas started brightly and were rewarded for their efforts when Clarkson drifted past a couple of players to deftly slot the ball in the net.

The Blades performance was as lacklustre as their away support, suggesting they would not be too disheartened at going out of the cup.

We passed the ball well and seemed firmly in control of the tie, but our League One opponents came out with renewed vigour in the second half, leaving Rovers’ players trailing in their wake.

They gained the upper hand and it was no great surprise when they levelled matters with an excellent strike.

The second goal was a soft goal to concede and for all Rovers’ enterprise, we never looked like getting back in the game against a team which had asserted its quality and superiority. Eaves was too isolated up front and we lacked the creativity and sharpness to open up the Blades’ defence.

Rovers capped a disappointing week with another setback in the league as we slumped to a 3-2 defeat at home to Southend on Tuesday night.

The game started in a positive fashion as Broghammer finished well when put through on goal to give the Gas the lead. But as the game wore on the Shrimpers took full advantage of McGhee’s negative tactics to seize the initiative.

Eaves was again ploughing a lone furrow up front while Paterson looked out of sorts in an unfamiliar midfield holding role. The manager is clearly trying to make us harder to beat by packing the defence and midfield but Southend hadn’t read the same script as they took a 3-1 lead.

A late penalty for the Pirates made the contest sound closer than it was but in truth Rovers got what they deserved from a poor performance.

We can only hope that McGhee sets the team up against Chesterfield on Saturday in a more positive manner and decides that attack is the best form of defence.

Do you agree with Jeff’s views? Have your say below.