Doncaster Rovers boss Dean Saunders was left frustrated by his side's difficult schedule following their 3-1 loss to Birmingham City last night.
The fixture was Rovers' third match in six days and Saunders believes that this, combined with a tough travelling schedule, has hit them hard.
"The schedule we have had this week has been ridiculous. We went to Southampton last week and that was five-and-a-half hours back, then to Crystal Palace in midweek," said Saunders.
"That was four-and-a-half hours back and we got back at 3.30 on Wednesday morning.
"We got them in Thursday but they couldn't do much and tonight they have had to go out against a Premier League team in effect and play like it was a cup final."
Doncaster are currently bottom of the Championsip, four points adrift of safety with six game remaining.