Frustrated Ferguson warning of big changes for Doncaster Rovers

“Stop crosses, deal with the set pieces, deal with Wyke. We couldn’t do it and it cost us the game,” said the frustrated Doncaster Rovers manager.

“It’s deja vu, really,” he continued. “We are not getting the basics right in both boxes. We are not giving ourselves a chance at the moment.”

Five defeats from the last six league matches have left Rovers in 19th with just two wins to their name.

While Ferguson said: “I am not going to start thinking we are in a relegation battle at this stage,” he is threatening to shake-up his side.

There will be many changes for tomorrow’s Football League Trophy game at home to Sunderland Under-21s but Ferguson also warned that no-one is safe for Saturday’s home game against Southend.

“We have to start winning games. We know what’s costing us. At the end of the day, if we continue not winning games for the reasons that we are saying, personnel has to change, it’s as simple as that. At the moment, we are not doing the basics but I still have a team that has got belief – there is no doubt about that.”

Several first-team squad members are on the cusp of return from injury and goalkeeper Ian Lawlor is expected to be fit for Saturday after an ankle problem, though Ferguson absolved stand-in Marko Marosi of any blame for the Valley Parade defeat.

Matty Blair, who did not make the squad after taking a knock against Shrewsbury, will also be in contention but one player missing will be Manchester City loanee Rodney Kongolo, who is away with Holland Under-19s.