David Pipe says Rovers are playing without a crucial cutting edge in front of goal.

The former Notts County midfielder says the whole team are falling short in the final third in the pitch, despite dominating against teams for long spells.

Hartlepool United became the latest side to put a dent in the Pirates' 2007/08 fortunes on Friday night, a match that David felt should have gone the way of the visitors.

"I suppose we were unlucky, but that's a word that's getting used too many times to be honest," David told bristolrovers.co.uk, "We're playing well week-in week-out but we're not getting the results we feel we should.

"We're defending well, we're carving teams open at times, but we're not scoring enough goals as a team. Nobody ever takes us apart, but we lack a cutting edge at the moment and we need to get that back quickly.

"If we knew what was wrong we'd put it right, but it's not a question of commitment or quality. There's commitment right through the squad, and from goalkeeper to strikers and the subs as well, there is a lot of quality here. But at the end of the day all that commitment and quality counts for nothing if we can't turn it into goals.

"We're a team of winners, and we don't want to be losing games like we are. If anyone goes out there expecting to lose then they shouldn't be playing.

"It was bad going in at half-time losing on Friday, but even worse at the end of the game. Words were said in the dressing room, but it's not a personal thing, it's just people are disappointed.

"We've got a winning mentality here, and because of that when the results aren't going to plan it makes it even harder to take. It's not just the boys up front, it's the whole team. We're creating opportunities, but we're not putting them away."

Having arrived back in Bristol at around 4am on Saturday morning, the players were given Sunday and Monday off before they'll return to training on Tuesday to begin preparations for Saturday's West Country derby with Yeovil Town.

"Having a few days off doesn't help me personally, as I like to be on the go," said David, "But I'm sure Trolls knows what he's doing, and we'll come back in on Tuesday ready to give 100% and to go again. Next weekend is essential we get three points now.

"I've played in a lot of derbies over my time. When I was at Notts County there are a few teams around there that are considered derbies, and it was similar when I was at Coventry.

"But I go into games to give 100 per cent whether it's a derby or not, and you won't get any more or less commitment from me because it's Yeovil.

"There will be some extra spice about the match, and it would be a good game to win. But at the moment through we'll take a home win against anyone, and if we can turn all our effort into goals then we'll be confident we can get a result."