David Raya says frustration is creeping in at Rovers after a ninth defeat in 11 games, despite their best attempts against Stoke City.

Rovers pressed the visitors back during a second half in which they enjoyed plenty of territory, but couldn’t find a way through.

The game was decided by Peter Etebo’s thumping 14th minute goal, while Raya saved a Bojan penalty in first half injury time.

The Spaniard also pulled off an excellent save to deny Sam Vokes in the second period, as Rovers slipped to another 1-0 defeat at home, their fourth their last five Ewood matches.

“Everyone is frustrated,” Raya told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I think we’ve been playing well but just can’t turn that in to points.

“We have to stick together and then the points and results will come.

“You can’t take the effort away, it’s there from everyone, it is just frustrating that from all the work we’ve put in, we’ve not got any points.

“It’s tough to take but we have to stick together.”

Adam Armstrong hit the bar in the first half, and was denied by Jack Butland in the second half, but Stoke held out for a sixth consecutive clean sheet.

Rovers have now failed to score in four of their last five home matches as their poor run continued ahead of tomorrow’s game with Derby.

The 23-year-old said: “Another 1-0 defeat, it’s frustrating. I thought we played some decent football second half.

“First half we gave them the ball too often which is why they got the chances to score.

“We came back strong in the second half and created some chances but they weren’t enough.

“They had five clean sheets before this, so it is frustrating.

“I think we did okay in the second half, pushed them back a lot, we created some chances but the ball wouldn’t fall for us.

“They are very good defensively, good at clearing their box, and were very compact.

“They have showed that the last few games.”

Charlie Mulgrew fouled Benik Afobe for the penalty, but Raya guessed right to keep out a well struck penalty by Bojan.

That gave the home crowd a lift, and Raya added: “That showed a bit of character from us. It was a big moment in the game, the last minute of the first half.

“We went in to the dressing room looking to give everything in the second half.

“I felt we played decent football, pushed them back. The chances were there but the ball just wouldn’t go in to the net.”

On speaking to compatriot Bojan after the game, Raya said: “He said ‘well played’ and ‘how did I save the penalty?’

“It was a good penalty.

“He’s a good player and being Spanish it was a nice present for me.”

Rovers welcome Frank Lampard’s Debry County to Ewood Park tomorrow looking to bring to an end a run of form which has seen them take just four points from the last 33 available.

That will be a tough ask against the play-off chasing Rams, and Raya said: “The next game is a tough one against Derby.

“We’re looking to finish the season as strong as we can.

“We have to stop this run, and if we keep playing like that then I think the points will come.

“It’s a tough league, a long season. We have to stop this run and get the points we need to get us up the table.”