FOR ROB Jones, the return to action and return to Doncaster didn’t quite go as planned.

Sidelined with a niggling hip injury since the win at Yeovil on September 11, the Hartlepool defender was introduced as a late substitute on Saturday at the club where he both played and managed.

Afforded a generous round of applause from the home crowd as he was introduced, Jones was soon feeling as stunned as anyone in a blue and white shirt.

The Northern Echo: Picture by Howard Roe/AHPIX.com;Football;Skybet; League Two;EFL;
 Doncaster Rovers v  Hartlepool United 
18/11/2016 KO 3.00pm;Keepmoat Stadium ;
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Rovers'  Liam Manderville scores the winner

Liam Manderville scores the winner. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX.com

The five-man defence was sliced open by one pass and Rovers netted a 90th minute winner.

“We worked ever so hard and one lapse in concentration has cost us,’’ reflected the centre-half.

“Coming here they have not lost a game all season. Getting a point here would have been a great one for us.

“One false move has cost us.’’

Jones’ return was welcomed by Hignett, who has recently regularly lamented the loss of both Jones and Matthew Bates.

But the centre-half said: “It's not about me. I am old enough to know it is about the club.

“We are all bitterly disappointed. We have got to pick ourselves up for Tuesday.

“We are so frustrated because we worked hard for 90 minutes.

“We soaked up a lot of pressure in the second half. You think you are almost there and then the inevitable happens.

“Both teams defended well. it was two good sides – it was good for the neutral.

We worked tirelessly hard to get something out the game against a good side and now we have to pick ourselves up Tuesday night.’’

Liam Donnelly missed the game after suffering knee cartilage damage and will be checked over before tomorrow’s home game with Accrington.