Abysmal? Dismal? Superb? Encouraging?

All 4 terms in the title above can be aptly applied to the performance of Bristol Rovers at Crawley yesterday afternoon.

The first two, negative words, sum up the players' performance on the pitch yesterday. They were outplayed from start to finish and although Crawley played well and thoroughly deserved victory, Rovers made them look a lot better than they actually are. No strength or organisation at the back resulted in conceding poor goals, there was no midfield - mainly because it was bypassed by hopeful punts forward and no creativity or spark up top. When you see your side play like that, you can be certain you will not be travelling home pleased with how your side played, or with 3 points.

'Superb' and 'encouraging' are 2 terms that can also definitely be applied to Rovers yesterday...

The Rovers fans that is. Of a 3600 crowd, a quarter of attendees were Rovers fans - a truly magnificent away following. As always the Gasheads were SUPERB, creating all the noise at Broadfield Stadium, despite their team's shocking performance. WE deserve a lot better than what we got yesterday and the players and staff need to know they are lucky to have us there. To keep us behind them, they need to show, at the very least, more organisation and more desire to win football matches. Yes, even when we're struggling we'll have larger home and away crowds than 99% of clubs in this division will get if they were top of League 2, but that shouldn't mean the team think they will automatically have us there after disgraceful performances like that.

I am very wound up at how poor we were. Tactically, I don't think Paul Buckle is quite there. At 2-0 down he brought on another defender for Muzzy, who, although wasn't playing that well, will always be a threat to the opposition full-backs. That is as negative as it gets and so even though we were losing, we went more defensive? That said, maybe we could have guessed we'd line up negatively yesterday, as Stuart Campbell was drafted in to the side ahead of Craig Stanley. What a truly bewildering decision. Stanners has been superb in the middle of midfield and although there are rumours of a falling out with Bucks, the player does not deserve to be dropped from the team. Hopefully the result will go a long way in proving that. Cams is sadly no longer up to it and he hasn't been for a few seasons now. Yes he runs around a bit, but when he receives the ball, his first thought is to turn around and slowly bass the ball sideways or backwards, even if in an advanced position. Stanley refutes suggestions he has fallen out with his gaffer, but it looks like there is something going on there, because there is no logical reason in dropping Craig for Stu.

It just doesn't seem to click at the moment. We've seen moments of quality from each player at different moments, just never on a consistent basis or at the same time! Having said that Lee Brown has been outstanding all season so far. Literally the only player who can come out after yesterday's horror show with his head held high. The signing of the summer for us so far in my opinion.

Buckle and the team have a hell of a lot to work on this week ahead of trips to Wycombe and Bradford, that's for sure. I'd also suggest delving in to the loan market for a centre half and striker, something which NEEDS to happen. We'll miss Kuffour, there's no doubt about that, so another forward option is required.

Need some optimism to return this week with 2 wins.