PRESSURE is building on Tranmere boss Ian Dawes after Rovers fell to their sixth consecutive defeat in all competitions with a 2-0 loss at Colchester United. 

Tranmere lie third from bottom of League Two with just one win to their name and Dawes admitted their performance was “unacceptable”.

Colchester were well worth their win, registering 27 shots on goal, 12 of which were on target.

Rovers were indebted to their goalkeeper McGee for keeping Colchester out on a number of occasions.

The poor run is the first time Tranmere have lost six games in a row since the end of the 2014/15 season which climaxed with Rovers being relegated from the Football League. 

Dawes said: “It’s always going to be a question I’m going to get asked (about his future).

“Losing games of football, it doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you get asked those questions and you get a reaction from the fans at the end and they’re completely just in their views.

“They’ve got the right to vent and they’re as frustrated as I am with the results but I still think we can turn it around.

"I keep believing and keep moving forward. Unless I hear otherwise I'll plan and prepare for Monday for Saturday's game.

"The reaction after the game is tough - you're emotional. I'm angry and I'm feeling loads of different emotions - not just for myself but for the players and the fans so I have to be careful what I say to the players and manage that, calm down and be composed."

Joe Taylor gave Colchester an 11th-minute lead when he dinked the ball past McGee after Arthur Read’s superb pass had picked out the striker’s run.

Bradley Ihionvien then sealed the hosts’ win in the 87th minute when he followed up to score from close range after fellow substitute John Akinde’s effort had deflected into his path.

“It was a disappointing start to the game," said Dawes. "I thought we were OK in the first few minutes but we gave away the goal and the manner in which we did made it an uphill battle.

“We never got to grips with the game at all – it was unacceptable.

“We didn’t create enough chances, we didn’t pass the ball well enough and ultimately, we lost the game and we can’t complain about the result.”