IT is hard not to feel demoralised by two defeats in four days but, since the international break, it was always going to be these next three games that were vital, writes Simon Smith.

Put bluntly, Rovers' fate is in their own hands.

And, after the disastrous Owen Coyle era being allowed to continue for far too long, that is perhaps the most they could realistically hope for.

Relying on others to keep us up makes us powerless.

Those of us who are targeting all nine points from these three games are not floating in the realms of fantasy, it is doable.

Charlie Mulgrew will be a massive miss, but although Reading quickly targeted Tommie Hoban as he attempted to settle into the game, to some effect it must be said, the Watford loanee is usually steady when starting a game. Tony Mowbray’s decision to tinker and rest attacking players backfired somewhat.

It must have made some kind of sense to him in that battling out for a point would be a great result.

But someone should have told Mowbray that Rovers have floundered on every occasion they have attempted to park the bus this season.

And the catastrophic first half was no exception.

But Rovers are still only one point from safety after two away games at top three sides.

Anything gained was a bonus and the main detriment is the injuries to Mulgrew and Darragh Lenihan.

Saturday is a must-win and I have given up urging the stay-aways to come back to the fold.

Now I beg you.

For the next two home games let’s have an amnesty on the protesting and the naysaying.

Come down in numbers and be positive. Get behind the club. YOUR club. Play your part. Even if the team go 1-0 down. Get behind them.

I know frustrations grow and it is a tense time, but if you love your club then front up and show the players and manager just how much you do.

For two games. 100 per cent support. Then it’s up to them from there. You’ve played your part and no more can be asked.

Let’s not fail our club as others have failed it.