THE goals have been flying in at training – how Gary Bowyer will be hoping that can be replicated when it really matters.

The focus on City’s preparation work for the trip to Bristol Rovers has been on their attacking play.

With just one goal from the last five games, it has become the area of most concern for Bowyer as the relegation clock ticks.

So, he has been encouraged by some of the net-busting efforts at Apperley Bridge over the last couple of days.

The trick now is to transfer that shooting confidence into the real thing at the Memorial Stadium.

Bowyer said: “I’ve signed a contract for two years so it’s not just for the short term in terms of how we’re going about our work. It’s about something I want to put in place for a long time now.

“It’s starting to show in games some of the things we’ve been working on in training. But obviously this week we identified we have to play better in the final third.

“It’s highlighting areas where we could have had more crosses going into the box, more bodies in there and certainly taking the opportunity to shoot.

“It’s a massive thing for the midfielders, not just the strikers. It’s something we’ve incorporated in training this week.

“I’m delighted to say that, in training, we’ve seen some wonderful goals. We’ve seen some stunners from Doyley (Eoin Doyle), Billy Clarke, Jack Payne and George Miller got a couple of good ones as well.

“The strikers have been doing well with it and we need everyone to contribute. Hopefully that follows through to the game.”

Bowyer admits City have been guilty of over-playing in shooting positions instead of being prepared to have a crack at goal.

“I don’t think it’s a fear factor,” he added. “We are probably guilty sometimes of having that one extra touch and looking to set somebody up rather than just pulling the trigger.

“Again, it’s something we’ve continued this week and that’s been theme about the final third.”

In contrast, Bristol Rovers hitman Jonson Clarke Harris scored eight goals in the seven games leading up to their goalless draw at Coventry. That has earned him the accolade today as League One player of the month for March.

Bowyer said: “I remember him when I was under-23 manager at Blackburn and he came on trial.

“It’s taken a while for his career to get going but over the last couple of months his return has been phenomenal. He’s someone we will obviously have to pay attention to.”