Saunders wasn't happy at the end of the game and blasted: "That was not a 3-0 game. I thought we played well. The decision for the penalty is ridiculous but there were lots of other decisions that went against us.
"I'm not going to slaughter the referee because financially it doesn't make sense. That is the only reason.
"You see it in any sport that has umpires and referees that sometimes things don't go your way. In cricket, I have seen batsmen get out when they shouldn't have but you have to react to that.
"These players have an ingrained self-confidence. We have to go to Watford and not let that scoreline affect us because it could have been the other way.
"Their goalkeeper made a good save at 1-0 but we had plenty of chances. This is a difficult place to come and they have some very sharp players, but to have that many chances and not score is disappointing."
Eddie Howe was perhaps somewhat in agreement with Saunders over the penalty although not the game and certainly not that Doncaster could have won it. He was also a very happy man to see the name Martin Paterson on the scoresheet for the first time since he came on as a substitute in Howe's first home game in charge and scored against Burton Albion in last season's FA Cup.
"I'm delighted for Martin because he really deserves it for his attitude since he has been out of the game," Howe said. "He has been the ultimate professional and worked extremely hard and been a shining light to the other lads in the treatment room on how to conduct yourself.
"He's been a real guiding light and deserves a slice of luck. I can't speak highly enough about him, so we are all absolutely delighted for him."
He did admit to being pleasantly surprised when referee David Webb gave us the opportunity to break the deadlock. He said: "At the time I was surprised the penalty was given, but I was glad to take it because you never know what is around the corner.
"We are going to be on the end of decisions like that ourselves, so you are glad when one goes for you and Jay tucked it away well.
"The second goal was always going to be the key though because there was a large period of the game in the second half when Doncaster caused us problems with their front two.
"The game was far too open for my liking in that second half, but thankfully that second goal came at the right time and hopefully we have sent the supporters home happy. They have had a frustrating time at home this season, but we performed well today.
"That's the best we've passed the ball and although I don't think we had total control of the game because of their attacking set up, I am really, really pleased with many aspects of our game today."
Finally, on Duff's injury, Howe said: "Michael felt his hamstring and we took him off as a precaution, but at the moment we don't quite know the extent or how long he will be out for.
"He's been a big factor in our recent run because he's an old head who talks, organises and leads the other lads through games at times. It's a blow and we really hope we don't lose him for too long a period."