Barnes demands more from sloppy Rovers
Wednesday 19th August, 2009
By Richard Ault

John Barnes reacted angrily to defeat by MK Dons on Tuesday night as Tranmere's 10 month unbeaten run at Prenton Park lay in tatters.

A late goal from sub Jabo Ibhere was enough to give Paul Ince's side a 1-0 win, and despite seeing Ian Thomas-Moore hit the woodwork twice, Barnes wasn't happy with what he saw from his team.

Barnes said: "We didn't play well at all.

"That's the worst I have seen us play in the second half and I keep stressing to the players about not giving the ball away. We had slack passing throughout the second half and there is no-one near us. That is were we need to improve.

"We have players who are very good at dribbling and doing the hard things.  But we gave the ball away when no-one was around us - not just for the goal but for the whole of the second half.

"A simple pass to a white shirt and we gave the ball away for no reason.

"We're getting the ball in the box and we're creating opportunities which is good, [as is] concentration at the back but we also have to recognise we didn't keep the ball well tonight."

Barnes turned his attentions to the second string on Wednesday night as he watched trialist Seyfo Soley and new boy Michael Ricketts line-up against Walsall in a 1-0 defeat at Kirklands.