HENNING Berg summed up Blackburn Rovers' defeat at Coventry in one word - "Embarrassing".

Rovers' players didn't argue with manager Ray Harford's assessment of their contribution to Saturday's 5-0 thrashing, their heaviest defeat since the Premier League was formed in 1992.

And skipper Tim Sherwood revealed that they didn't think the slippy pitch was fit to stage the game.

"We knew the conditions would make the game a lottery," said the captain.

"And we have picked up a couple of injuries because of the pitch.

"We didn't think it was fit but we should still have got wired in especially when we went behind.

"This wasn't like recent performances away from home and we know we have to start winning away sooner, rather than later."

Berg said: "It was very difficult to control the ball, the pitch was icy down one side and not down the other.

"They wanted to win more than us. We didn't compete.

"But it's always embarrassing to lose 5-0. What more can you say?"

Rovers lost Mike Newell with a heel injury and Lars Bohinen, who was having problems with his vision.

Chris Sutton also needed lengthy spells of treatment, once on his shoulder when he fell on the snow-covered surface and then to his right ankle, which had to be heavily strapped.

Harford said: "There are a few knocks and bruises and it was a great disappointment. "But in this job you have to climb back on the horse again.

"The players made their opinions known before the match but you can only see what's going to happen when they go out on the pitch."

Rovers A clocked up a cracking 2-1 Lancashire League Division One win at Bury with goals from James Beattie and Craig Chisholm. The B team thrashed Bury B 4-1 at Brockhall. The scorers were Damien Johnson (2), James Thomas and Martin Rimmer.

Rovers Reserves are in Pontins League Division One action at Sheffield United tonight. Supporters should note that the fixture will be played at Chesterfield's Saltergate ground (7.00 pm).

Rovers reserve squad from: Mimms, Hitchin, Whealing, Harford, Coughlan, Reed, Gill, Holmes, Fenton, Gallacher, Gudmundsson, Malone, Given, Tallon.

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