BLUES boss Jim Magilton accused his players of 'downing tools' after his side slumped 3-1 at home to Doncaster Rovers.

Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton accused his players of 'downing tools' after his side slumped 3-1 at home to Doncaster Rovers.

An Owen Garvan consolation goal and Giovanni dos Santos hitting a post were the only moments of quality for Town in game where strugglers Doncaster scored through Gareth Roberts, Paul Heffernan and James Hayter.

Magilton said: “I feel particularly let down because it looked liked we downed tools in the second half. I was disappointed that we capitulated against a side that showed more desire than us.”

“I'm not offering any excuses and one or two of the players need to look in the mirror.”

There were chants of 'we want Magilton out' and 'what a load of rubbish' while Magilton was booed off the pitch by sections of the crowd in all four stands.

Magilton said: “I'm not surprised by the crowd's reaction. I expected it.”

The defeat makes it mathematically impossible for Town to make the top six but Magilton is adamant he can take them there next season.

He said: “I'm devastated that we are not in the play offs. It makes me even more determined to put things right next season.”

The only plus point for Town was Connor Wickham's debut as a 66th minute substitute, which saw him make history as Town's youngest-ever player aged just 16 years and 11 days.

Magilton said: “Connor showed more desire than many of the seasoned pros.”