Angry Jones demands reaction from beaten Rovers

Rovers were level when Cameron Stewart cancelled out Chris Basham’s opener, before Conor Sammon edged United back in front.

Gary Mackenzie was red-carded for a high challenge on Craig Alcock, and former Rovers striker Billy Sharp netted in a one-sided second half to win 3-1.

It was too much for Jones - who has applied for the vacant managerial job on a permanent basis - who insisted the performance was “unacceptable”.

“I’m quite angry actually at the performance we put in,” he said. “It’s not acceptable.

“You can hide behind the fact we down to ten men after 30-odd minutes but it’s not acceptable. Yes we got back on level terms but it’s mistake after mistake after mistake after mistake. I’m not having it any more.

“We started the game all right. Keshi (Anderson) looked menacing, Cameron got his free kick. We could have gone in front before the did.

“They went in front after a mistake, which is not pleasing at all. We got back into it, so you’re thinking come on then we’ll have a go.

“But then there’s another mistake for the second goal. From then on in, Gary gets sent off and you give yourself a mountain to climb. I expect better.

“What was said in there (dressing room) will stay in there. I won’t bring it out. We had some words, and I now look for a reaction.

“Irrespective of who it was against, where it was and how many people were watching, I expect the bare minimum.

“The bare minimum is work rate, the bare minimum is keeping the ball, the bare minimum is stop making basic errors.”

Jones is now demanding a response when Swindon Town visit the Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow, and the 35-year-old defender could even step in to play in place of the suspended Mackenzie.

He said: “I will demand a response. Maybe there will come a point where I have to come out and play again.

“But I’m ready, If that has to happen Tuesday, then it’s what has to happen on Tuesday.

“I’m ready to do both sides. I’ve not gone away and done nothing. I’m fit, strong, I want to play. I’ve got options now.”

One of the plus points was the performance of on-loan Keshi Anderson, making his Football League debut after moving midweek from Crystal Palace.

He looked lively alongside Andy Williams up front and should be a good addition to Rovers’ striking options.

“Keshi started really well, I just think he ran out of steam towards the end,” said Jones. “He started well. He gave me a different aspect to what I’ve got in the club at the moment.

“He won the first free-kick for the goal. He worked tirelessly hard. When the sending off happened he ended up playing in an alien position on the right.

“He’s come in, been bright, lively. I’m pleased with Keshi today. If I didn’t think he was ready, I wouldn’t have put him in.

“He could have got one early on, he had a chance early on that was blocked out for a corner. On another day he could have capped it off with a goal. It wasn’t to be.”