More Water says Buckle

Most managers blame something or other when they don't win a match. This afternoon Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle blamed the very dry Memorial Pitch for failing to take three points from Hereford United.

The pitch was watered beforehand and again at half-time.

"I couldn't believe what it was like and it's a lesson learned for the future," said Buckle.

"When I was at Torquay I always insisted on a slick surface and I want the same here. There is nothing a visiting side like more than a pitch which slows up the play.

"It sounds like an excuse but it's actually a reason why we didn't get better crosses into the box from the right in the first half.

"The ball kept bobbling up and hitting shins. Players like Jo Kuffour and Chris Zebroski enjoy a fast surface and this one didn't help them one bit."

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