SEVEN of the last 11 goals that Rovers have conceded from set pieces while one of the others a penalty.

So while from open play Tony Mowbray’s side have proved hard to break down, they have looked far from secure from set plays.

It is an area they had worked hard on after some early season troubles but the demons have returned in recent weeks.

Against Hull City on Saturday, with right back Ryan Nyambe filling in at centre half, and striker Danny Graham - a usual defensive presence from corners - only a sub, Rovers were short of players above six feet tall.

Ola Aina scored the only goal of the game from a Jon Toral corner, while Michael Hector and Jarrod Bowen had further chances from corners.

On set piece troubles, Mowbray said: “It’s a little bit frustrating but it is what it is.

“We’re working hard on that part of the game because a lot of teams I can’t see how they’re going to score against us.

“Maybe that was the case against Hull, they found it really difficult to create chances.

“A corner, free header and goal. It has to stop.”

A crowd of 6,777 watched Rovers exit the FA Cup with defeat to Hull with the Riverside Stand shut, while the Darwen End was only open to the 800 or so travelling fans from East Yorkshire.

Aside from the final half hour, in which Rovers pushed hard for an equaliser, there was a lack of a matchday atmosphere.

This was Rovers’ fourth defeat of the season at Ewood and a second in cup competitions following the Checkatrade Trophy loss to Bury in September.

And ahead of welcoming second-placed Shrewsbury to Ewood Park in the league on Saturday, Mowbray said: “It was a pretty low-key affair.

“The stand across from us was shut and it wasn’t like a matchday in my opinion.

“It wasn’t like a league game at Ewood where there was an expectation and an energy from the crowd because of the way it was.

“It was a different feel from a normal game and as I’ve said I think the fans have played in a huge part in us being pretty solid at home.

“Hopefully the remaining home games we can pick up as close to maximum points as possible and keep doing what we have been away from home and if we can then we won’t be far away.”