And when they where handed a great chance to get back into the game from the penalty spot early in the second-half, Paul Hayes' tame shot was straight at the keeper.
It meant the Iron did not take advantage of Peterborough's loss to Yeovil Town, and the chance to keep the pressure on second-place MK Dons.
"I thought we were very poor and we didn't play at a high tempo from the beginning of the game," said Adkins.
"It's been the story of our season, giving away poor goals like we have here.
"It makes it very difficult for us, and I thought really that was the story of the game. It's a great opportunity missed
"We gave two stupid goals away and that gave Bristol Rovers something to hang on to."
Paul Trollope, the Rovers manager, pointed to teamwork as key to his side's win.
"There was some very good individual performances, but I'll remember this game for the collective display," he said.