13th time lucky for Doncaster Rovers?

Dejected Rovers players react to conceding the second goal at Bradford. Photo: Andrew Roe

Darren Ferguson’s side have now gone 12 games without a win in all competitions and remain precariously placed just above the League One drop zone.

Rovers’ boss this week laid out a survival target of 50 points. He also said he was contemplating sacrificing his attacking principles as he continues to search for a winning formula.

And he hopes frustrated fans stick by their team after a run of eight defeats in the last nine games.

Ferguson said: “We need to perform better. All of us - we need to be better.

“I’m absolutely devastated with the run we’re on at the moment for everyone at the club, because I never expected this to be the case. But it is the case.

“People might be thinking we’re not going to go into League Two and all that. But at the moment, on the run we’re on, there’s only one way you are going.

“I do firmly believe with the games we’ve got left we’ll get enough points,” he added.

“I just hope the fans stick with us. I know there’s been a shift because of the performance at Scunthorpe.

“It’s not so much about what ability the players have got because I do feel they have ability. But it’s about their character now in terms of having enough to get those points.”