MARK Hughes was left scratching his head after his Rovers side lost 4-0 at home to Aston Villa.

Despite dominating for long spells, it was a night when the visitors got all the breaks and Rovers none, to leave them remaining in ninth place in the league.

"It did seem to be one of those nights," said Hughes on Radio Rovers after the game. "We are still scratching our heads how we've lost the game 4-0.

"Circumstances have gone against us but for the first thirty minutes I thought we were excellent. We got the ball down and caused them problems, I think they had one strike at goal and that was probably it.

"But we switched off in fairness at the free-kick, they have got good delivery, they've got big guys in there and unfortunately we haven't done our jobs and they've scored.

"But we were very much in the game, coming out in the second half we felt there was plenty in the game for us.

"The game turned on the sending off once again, we haven't been in a position to win the game because as soon as the penalty is given, and Ryan is sent off, then it is very difficult.

"That is the disappointment because it kills the game for everybody. We've lost 4-0, the last two goals I have my doubts about as well, I think they were both offside.

"We are not going to beat ourselves up about it, 4-0 looks bad in black, but confidence won't be dented because of this, we played well enough but circumstances conspired against us."

The game could have been so much different had Benni McCarthy's 20th strike had been allowed to count. Played into space by Roque Santa Cruz, the South African curled a wonderful effort into the top corner of the net, his celebration's stunted by the linesman's flag.

"If we had scored first then it could have changed the whole complexion of the game," added Hughes. "It is very borderline but we didn't get the benefit of the doubt, so we feel a little bit aggrieved about that.

"But all-in-all we did well enough, but we have to dust ourselves down, pick ourselves up and go again at the weekend."

Hughes' post match comments was sent out first and exclusively to subscribers to our SMS Breaking News service. If you would like the latest headlines sent direct to your mobile phone then text CLUB ROVRS ON to 88442 to sign up to the only official BRFC SMS service.