Boss Roy Keane felt his side again conceded bad goals as they drew 3-3 at Doncaster Rovers. The South Yorkshire side's manager Sean O'Driscoll was similarly unhappy with his backline.

Keane said: "I think we gave bad goals away. You always think if you score three goals away from home you're going to win the game and, in terms of going forward, this was our most encouraging display.

"We looked threatening and I can't say that about some of our performances this season.

"I certainly think we had the better of the chances and, when you are 3-2 up with five or 10 minutes to go, you would hope you can see the game out, but that's the way it's going for us at the moment."

The Town manager admitted that it’s going to take a while for his team to gel: "It's certainly going to be one of those seasons where it's going to be a long, tough battle for us and we're going to have to give some players the benefit of the doubt as they settle into the football club, both on and off the pitch.

"We've got one or two injuries and we're lacking a bit of confidence, as you would expect, but no one is going to hand us a victory. We've got to keep battling away and do it for ourselves."

The Blues boss was chuffed for Jack Colback, who netted his first senior goal: "I'm pleased for Jack. That was his first goal. He could go on and be a very good footballer. Tamás scored his second goal for us and he will stake a claim for place in the team next week. That's what I want, I'm desperate for players to stake a claim for a place in the side.

"Our subs did well for us and that's what you want from your bench, players to come on and make a difference. It was an encouraging display, but we've got a lot of catching up to do."

Keane said he couldn’t recall former Manchester United team-mate Quinton Fortune scoring a goal as good as his late equaliser during their time together at Old Trafford: "He bloody didn't, no! Not even in training. Don't worry, I'll be seeing him in a minute!"

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was disappointed with his side’s overall display: "I thought it was a poor performance.

"We didn't get out of first gear and we haven't played like that for a long time. You can talk about the goals we scored, but they hide a multitude of sins.

"We pride ourselves on our level of performance and I didn't think it was anywhere near what we are capable of.

"I thought we lacked ideas and didn't do a lot of things that we've done well week in, week out."

O'Driscoll was also unhappy with his team’s defending: "We didn't mark the thrower on the first goal. Our line for the freekick [for Town's second] was poor and we didn't challenge for the third goal.

"There's not much they can do about Quinton Fortune's strike, and if they had scored that sort of goal against us you would have to hold your hands up. But they [Town's goals] are the sort you can't concede in this division."

Photo: Action Images

wisebluey added 21:39 - Sep 19 long way to go still .. but three goals away is encouraging .. in keane i trust (over two years)
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the_gospel added 21:41 - Sep 19 they are the sort of opposition managers comments i want to read.
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jollyroger added 21:42 - Sep 19 scoring three times is encouraging but we must get a cb in very soon
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jas0999 added 21:42 - Sep 19 Agree - encouraging but conceeding three is not good, although their final goal was excellent
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dirtydingusmagee added 21:42 - Sep 19 mixed feelings , good to see a bit of fight and some goals, but again a disapointing result.Each week we seem to be hearing that we need another player or two,but one week its defenders next its strikers .NOT optimistic of any points for a while now .
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UEFA81 added 21:48 - Sep 19 Nor I dirtyding - Newcastle at home then Sheff Utd away, doesn't look too good. Sick of folks on here saying that folks that moan are not supporting the club - I always support my club but I try to stay realistic. Just because I post what folks don't want to hear doesn't make me a bad supporter, I find it extremely unrealistic to be optimistic at this current time. In fact I find it quite offensive to be deemed as a bad supporter after following Town through thick and thin for the last 26 years. Still, there's nowt so funny as folk.

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dirtydingusmagee added 21:57 - Sep 19 indeed mate. think the keano lemmings must be wondering to now surely
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dirtydingusmagee added 22:06 - Sep 19 i expect someone will say ''oh but look at how Sir Bobby started.....well we are now off to a worse start .so i suppose in their eyes we are even BETTER .Crazy but it seems to be the way some think .
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copamundial added 22:08 - Sep 19 End of the day we're just not good enough i'm happy to stay up this season
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NewarkDan added 22:09 - Sep 19 I think keanes comments about the defending were a bit harsh. Two excellent strikes from outside the box, closed down the 2nd goal well with two players but somehow managed to find its way past them and the third goal was unstoppable. Even the first was a bit iffy, more often than not a free kick being given to the keeper. Thinks thats the way its going at the moment.

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blubluju added 22:20 - Sep 19 Scoring 3 (us, that is!) is encouraging but I didn't think RK was the right appointment for us right at the start and now I'm even more sure, so come on Roy, prove me wrong, please, cos I love my club!!! (UEFA81, well said.)
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corshamblue added 22:27 - Sep 19 Undone by 2 Great Goals. Anyone can beat anyone in this league - 'Boro didn't have a great day today but looked much better when they played us . . We'll sort it out, but agree we need another CB - not sure we should let any go! I don't think we have the Depth in that position, so holding on to what we've got got and bring in CB that's better and hope the others lift their game.. COYB ..

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AJblue added 22:30 - Sep 19 uefa81 i feel your pain. so does every Town supporter,but for f*cks sake cheer up man! an away point ,3 goals,all scored by RK'S signings surely there must be a little gladness in your heart this evening. As for RK'S comments on the defending, how can anyone disagree with what he says. for weeks on this site, all i have heard is how sh*t our defending is, and we need a new CB, well now he is saying the same thing! I am not blindly following Keane, i have disliked him intensely for years, felt it was my duty as he plyed for MAN UTD,but he is now OUR manager and as such i will support him and the team he picks on any given match day. There rant over,goodnight and thank you all for listening.......

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Notts_tractor added 23:16 - Sep 19 Some real garbage is being posted on here about "keano lemmings" etc...At the Keepmoat this afternoon 900 people got behind their team and shared the passion with the players when it looked like we'd got the first win. Were all those 900 people "lemmings"? No, they were fans who know that the team benefits from wholehearted support from the terraces, not carping from the sidelines. And, UEFA 81, I've been supporting 35 years "through thick and thin", and haven't felt the same level of wanting to get behind the team for ages. We need to turn PR into a cauldron next Saturday!

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NigelCraft added 00:03 - Sep 20 I travelled up to support the team today,i must say it was the most exciting game ive seen in ages,ok it was a draw but i saw some real improvement in a team that is really coming together,especially considering some havent really played with us for long,stop bloody moaning and support the team,im sure our reward is not far off
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orbell18 added 00:50 - Sep 20 I managed to fare dodge my way on the train to donny today and it was so worth it! the improvement was very evident especially in the second half, nine times out of ten the keeper would of got the benefit of the doubt in the circumstance of the first goal, but thats just out luck at the minute. Keano will pull it together, hunger and desire is beginning to creeep back to our wonderful club! COYB

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im_marcacus added 03:11 - Sep 20 I'm super positive, the team are starting to play well - unlucky today - and you have to look forward to the end of this season (and potentially the next), I'd rather we spent this year settling in a new team and bombarded the champs next year than scraping up this year with a half formed team and doing a Derby.. Tortoise etc, keano's building a great new squad and needs the fans to get behind them whilst they settle in, COYB !

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Suffolk_n_Good added 08:31 - Sep 20 Although disappointed we didnt take 3 points alot of encouraging signs today. The team should gain confidence from today's performance, nice to see a bit of fighting spirit at last, things will come good. Def gotta get a quality centre back asap!!
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dalinghooblue added 09:02 - Sep 20 Was also at Donny. Encouraging signs that things are on the way up. Team showing lots of togetherness and look as though they want to play. Support brilliant, perhaps we should have a column for those who know what the A14 looks like on an away match day (plus the rail travellers of course)
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SouperJim added 09:05 - Sep 20 I have to respect the opinions of those above who went and watched the game, rather than the same old faces whinging on. Encouraged by the three goals and the fact that we fought our way back into the game twice and would have gone onto win it but for a wonder strike at the end. I firmly believe we can beat Toon and the Blades and will be doing my best to get behind the team on Saturday.

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bluelass7 added 09:14 - Sep 20 We are slower but surely getting there. I am happy to pay my money and watch a team gradually improve and build ready for next seasons domination. It's easy to get upset or be negative if you are that gullable to think success happens overnight. Nice ot see lot's of positive posts on here. Newcastle will be very difficult next week. I hope the fans more than the players do their bit to ensure we get a result in what will be a very emotional day for everyone. In other words if we did lose I hope we remember to reserve any negativity on this day and to remember it's not all about 3 points but also about SBR. Yes he would want us to do well (I think he would prefer a high scoring draw!) but we must show unity. Things are definitely going in the right direction. ME is no mug, nor is Cleggy and certainly not RK - Keep the faith guys. This is not going to be a sensational season like some may have expected but it's starting to look good.

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marcusevans added 11:35 - Sep 20 Thanks Bluelass7 it is nice to be appreciated.
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dirtydingusmagee added 11:35 - Sep 20 Notts Tractor,,i did say it was good to see some fight and some goals, good for you if you want to follow your saviour Keano ,So you and others saw encouraging signs, maybe ,but you also expected Town to beat Doncaster,it didnt happen and we are 2nd bottom with harder games comin up,it just seems to me that an element of supporters seem fixated[if thats the word] on the fact that Keano got Sunderland from bottom to top ,and by a previous manager[Sir Bobby] getting off to a bad start and going on to amazing feats. That is all History we are in a different time now ,I AM NO LESS hoping the Blues ARE SUCCESSFUL than you,but in my opinion it wont happen with Roy Keene ,IF im wrong i will be as happy as you.

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Back_The_Boss added 11:37 - Sep 20 If it's concering get someone in. Rosenior lokks good though
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BlueBoots added 12:16 - Sep 20 We've conceded quite a few goals this season where opposition players have either been allowed too much time on the ball in front of our defence, or allowed a free run at our centre-backs unchallenged by our midfield. I think the defence has been left a little exposed at times, so really shouldn't be taking all the blame for our defensive problems. Personally, I'd like to see us sign a quality experienced defensive midfielder (maybe RK could put his boots back on? :^D) to address this problem and protect the back 4 - I think with an old head organising things in midfield, we'd see an improvement in the performance and confidence of the defenders we currently have at the club.

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