Doncaster Rovers: Ferguson's sympathy for battling players

Niall Canavan equalised for the hosts in the 97th minute after goals from Mitchell Lund and Andy Butler had overturned Callum Camps' opener to put Rovers in front.

Ferguson's side produced their best performance for some time as they attempted to narrow the four point gap to League One safety, demonstrating real determination and battle.

So the late blow proved all the more difficult to take for the Rovers boss and his players.

"I feel for the lads and the fans," Ferguson said.

"We thought we were over the line for a much-needed win.

"It's just the way it's going for us at the moment for whatever reason.

"The big man was not shining on us."

The draw saw Rovers remain four points off safety with six games to go. Nearest rivals Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town have two and one games in hand respectively with both in action on Tuesday night.

"The performance was a good one, full of determination," he said.

"I said to the players afterwards that is the minimum requirement from now on.

"I thought they gave the same against Blackpool which was a game we shouldn't have lost.

"I changed the system and it worked really well.

"We had two great chances in the first half with Andy Williams in one-on-ones.

"We went behind, came out and went ahead. We thought we were going to get the job done but unfortunately not.

"They had a five minute period in the first half when they caused us problems but apart from that we were ahead."