Michael Skubala has admitted Bristol City must find a way to improve their form at Ashton Gate after a disappointing home defeat. The Reds managed just one shot on target in a 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday evening, a result that leaves them 12th in the Championship with 14 points from 10 games.

Oladapo Afolayan scored the only goal in the first half for a Blackburn side that created 20 attempts. Bristol City goalkeeper Balazs Toth was kept busy, but the hosts could not find a response under the BS3 lights. It was a third home defeat of the season and means City have failed to score in three of their five league matches on their own turf.

A familiar problem

Skubala, who took over in the summer, acknowledged the issue is a familiar one. "I don't think one game solves that problem, to be honest," the manager said. "I don't think one win or one loss solves that problem." He pointed to his team's solid defensive structure and threat in transition but stressed the need for development. "We have to keep developing with the ball when teams are a little bit lower and how we can break them down," Skubala explained. "We haven't quite gelled on that or found the synergy in those situations."

The statistics are stark. Three home goals is the joint-lowest tally in the division, matching the total of Skubala's former club Lincoln City. Last season, under previous managers, Bristol City won nine of their 23 home league games. The current project is a long-term one, described as a three-year plan involving the manager, sporting director and CEO, but the immediate need for points is clear.

Squad challenges for Blades test

Attention now turns to Saturday's home fixture against Sheffield United, who sit 15th with one away win. Bristol City will be without defender Noah Eile due to poor health. "He's probably trained two or three times in four weeks," Skubala said of Eile. "Not only is he poorly and ill..." Tomi Horvat's availability is uncertain, though Joe Williams is among those expected to return in the coming week. The club's current injuries list includes several key names.

Despite the setbacks, Skubala remains focused on the broader progress. He referenced a similar slow start in his previous job at Lincoln, where he won just one of his first eight or nine matches. The manager believes the team is building a good base but needs time to fully click in the final third.

Background and full detail: Bristol Live