Boss Jim Magilton took responsibility for Town's 3-1 home defeat to Doncaster, but felt that some his players performed as if the season was already over. The Town manager had praise only for record-breaking debutant Connor Wickham.

Magilton said: "I have to take the blame for the performance, but I felt that some of the players were playing as though the season is over and that's very disappointing.

"I feel let down because we downed tools. We capitulated. Doncaster showed more desire. We were at home but some of the players felt sorry for themselves. I'm not going to offer any excuses. It was poor.

"I wasn't surprised by the crowd reaction. I expected it and probably deserved it.

"One or two of them - more than one or two - will have to have a look in the mirror.

"It was a performance that wasn't acceptable. The longer the game went on the worse we got and we could have lost by more.

"The only bit of quality we showed was the goal. I expected us to push on from there, but we tried to hit killer passes and never threatened their goal and again that is not acceptable.

"Doncaster came and bossed it. We never controlled possession and there were too many individuals and not enough collective team spirit.

"We played with a bit more purpose after going behind and then, after that, we should have got on the front foot, but it didn't happen.

"I never doubt the lads' effort but when it really got tough we didn't have enough.

"The only plus was the kid. In 20 minutes, he showed more desire than some seasoned pros.”

Doncaster now appear to have secured their Championship status but boss Sean O'Driscoll says he doesn't want his players to sit back for the remaining weeks of the season: "We haven't looked at the table all season and we're not about to start now.

"All we have tried to do is maintain a level of performance and that's not going to change.

"Every point is precious in this division, so to get three away from home was a very good result.

"The first goal was a bit of a fluke. These things can go for you sometimes and not at others.

"We started really well. Ipswich came right back into it and caused us major problems, but half-time came at just the right time for us. It was a massive help.

"We were quite pleased when they went a bit more direct because that made it a bit easier for us."

Meanwhile, Bristol City will be without Jamie McAllister and Bradley Orr when Town are at Ashton Gate on Monday. McAllister was red-carded in today's 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest, while Orr received his 10th booking of the season.

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