Consecutive league defeats record equalled, relegation zone creeps closer and attacking problems persist – Bristol Live’s stand-out talking points after an eighth consecutive League Two defeat(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

Eight consecutive league defeats. The last time this happened at Bristol Rovers was during the 2002/03 season under Ray Graydon.

There have been some pretty dire performances in this season’s eight-match losing league run across October and November, including defeats against MK Dons, Tranmere Rovers, and Crawley Town, where four goals were shipped on each occasion.

The 1-0 loss against Notts County on Saturday was different, though, and can be filed in the category of ‘How on earth did Rovers lose that one?’ along with the defeats against Gillingham and Cheltenham Town.

Darrell Clarke’s side played nearly an hour against ten-men, hit the woodwork three times and somehow still ended up on the wrong side of the result, when Matthew Dennis’ deflected effort in the 86th minute wrongfooted Luke Southwood. This was County’s only shot on target – just like last week when Jonathan Tomkinson scored for the Robins from a corner in the second half.

Only one point separates Rovers and the relegation zone, with the situation looking increasingly bleak in BS7.

With that said, here are the main talking points from another painful defeat.

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I feel like I’m a broken record at the moment. For the second week in a row, Rovers had 17 shots, completely dominated possession, and still didn’t find the back of the net. Clarke’s side have now scored twice in their last seven league games.

In fact, the last time the Gas scored at The Mem in the league was against Tranmere on 18th October when Alfie Chang scored a late consolation goal.

These stats are grim reading, and it’s even harder to dissect when Rovers create so many chances like they did yesterday. Although it’s unpopular with many, xG is a different way to analyse the cumulative quality of chances created by both teams during the 90 minutes. In this one, Rovers’ xG was 1.62, while Notts County’s was 0.28, as per FotMob.

That’s irrelevant, though, as Rovers came out of the game with nothing, yet again. Defensively, the Gas have definitely tightened up in recent weeks, with Tom Lockyer shoring things up in the middle of the backline. If they can’t score goals, though, they’ll continue to be vulnerable to these sucker punches that are happening on such a regular basis.

(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)Formation changes galore

Now that I’ve calmed down from the previous section, it’s time to look at the tactics involved yesterday. It was an interesting team selection from Clarke, who started Shaq Forde and Luke Thomas behind Ellis Harrison as two number 10s in a 3-4-2-1.

Tyrese Hall’s 35th-minute red card changed the plans, though, and Rovers quickly shifted to a back four. It first looked like a 4-2-3-1 before the break, but with Josh McEachran coming on for Forde at the start of the second half, it changed to a 4-3-3, with Alfie Chang and Joel Cotterill just ahead of the 32-year-old.

When Fabrizio Cavegn was introduced, Clarke made another formation change, moving to a 4-4-2, with the Swiss striker partnering Harrison centrally. Meanwhile, Luke Thomas and Freddie Issaka were the two wide attacking players, with Cotterill also switching to a right-back following the withdrawal of Negru in the 51st minute.

(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

I know that’s a lot to take in, but it shows how much Clarke changed during the game yesterday in search of attacking answers.

In the 10 minutes between the red card and half-time, Rovers struggled for fluency, but normal service resumed after the break as the Gas continually forced Notts County back and came close on a number of occasions, particularly through Harrison, who looked most likely to score.

The goal never arrived, though, and on one of the rare occasions that the visitors broke out into the Rovers’ half, they scored past Southwood in the 86th minute through Dennis.

Injured players return

The biggest positive of yesterday’s defeat was the return of McEachran. Since his 13-minute cameo against Crawley, the 32-year-old midfielder has not featured for Rovers. He returned against Notts County, playing the second half and dictating the game impressively.

McEachran’s slick passing initiated several attacks, adding some much-needed tempo when up against a deep defensive block. He also could have had an assist when his lofted ball in the 71st minute was struck wide by Harrison.

Kacper Lopata also returned to the squad for the first time since his seven-minute cameo against Bromley in the FA Cup. The on-loan centre-back showed signs of promise early in the season, alongside Alfie Kilgour, and will be keen to impress in the next two cup games against Cambridge United and Port Vale, in the hope that he can force his way back into the starting eleven when Rovers travel to Barnet on 9th December.

Josh McEachran of Bristol Rovers looks dejected after conceding during the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Notts County at Memorial Stadium on 29 November 2025. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUKJosh McEachran of Bristol Rovers looks dejected after conceding during the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Notts County at Memorial Stadium on 29 November 2025. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)Where do Darrell Clarke and Rovers go from here?

No doubt about it, these players are still playing for Clarke. Even when it was 11v11, Rovers were in total control and should have gone into the lead, especially when Cotterill’s effort in the 25th minute smashed off the post from close range.

Supporters don’t want to hear about another ‘hard-luck story’ as Clarke put it, though, with eight league defeats in a row, a real concern for everyone involved. Even if you look at the bigger picture, 11 defeats in 18 league games for a team tipped to contend for promotion is pretty dismal. Only bottom of the table Newport County have lost more games in League Two.

If the club does make a change, it will be a shame as Clarke is clearly desperate to turn things around. Given the downward spiral that Rovers currently find themselves in, I would still stick with the 47-year-old, as he clearly knows where this squad is lacking and is constantly searching for solutions, especially in attacking areas. What can Clarke do about the poor finishing and impressive saves pulled off by Kelle Roos in a game like yesterday?

Darrell Clarke, Manager of Bristol Rovers looks dejected after losing during the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Notts County at Memorial Stadium on 29 November 2025. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

While it would be understandable if the club make a managerial change, the problems at Rovers run deeper, with last season’s recruitment and scars from relegation still having a major impact on the confidence within the squad.

It’s worrying times at Rovers and with Harrogate Town picking up a point away at Barnet, Clarke’s side sit only one point above the relegation zone. There are still 28 League Two games to play, but the mood in BS7 remains a bleak one. If Clarke can’t fix it, who will be asked to pick up the poisoned chalice of the Rovers’ managerial hotseat?

OPINION

OPINION