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Adams: We lacked killer instinct

Image: Micky Adams: Laments poor finishing

Micky Adams admits Tranmere still lack a killer touch after claiming his first victory as manager with a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Max Power converted from the penalty spot shortly after half time but George Donnelly received a red card when he kicked out at Tom Parkes. League Two outfit Tranmere were made to cling on before closing out the game, though Adams sympathised with Donnelly. Adams said: "They caused us a few problems but we adapted a shape we worked on this week. The final third is still a problem for me. I don't believe we get enough quality into the box but maybe that's nervousness. We have to take that out of our system and really go for it. "Bristol Rovers had nothing to lose, they put bodies in the box but we defended stoutly. "I said to the bench 'what is Power like at penalties' and (assistant) Chris Shuker said 'well you'll know in the next ten seconds'. Max played his part and it was a clear penalty. "We're disappointed with the sending off, that could have been avoided and we put ourselves under pressure. The 10 men that were out there in that period put their bodies on the line. "I think [Donnelly] was unfortunate because the lad has pushed him into the boards and that is very dangerous. He has reacted, which he shouldn't have done but he knows that and he will be disciplined internally." Tranmere controlled the game before the break and in the 54th minute, Gas defender Mark McChrystal handled in the box from a corner - with Powell stepping up to convert the penalty. But they had to hang on after Donnelly's sending off, as Owain Fon Williams made a series of saves and Marc Laird cleared off the line in injury time. Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke said: "We are missing that final bit of anticipation in the box but I don't believe you'd have known who was the League Two side and who was the non-league team. "You have to ride the storm, I'm trying to sign a striker but in the middle of November it isn't easy. I have had loads of strikers chucked at me from lower down the levels but they are not the answer. "We will keep working with the boys and I still believe in this set of lads. It's only a striker that we're really missing. "The future is bright, we just have to get out of this Conference because trust me, my side will be a top 10 team in League Two. "It's only the second time in 12 games we have failed to score but we still need to be more clinical."

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