Manager Paul Cox has told our players to ‘put things right’ following today’s 4-1 home defeat to Hartlepool United.
Our team, who slip two places in the Sky Bet League Two table, were well-beaten by Colin Cooper’s outfit.
Cox said: “We were awful. It was a bad day at the office and we got exactly what we deserved, which was nothing.
“I think it was a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ and I’ve told the lads that they need to put things right.
“It’s only two losses in ten, but its two losses too many for me. We keep raising the bar, but people have to reach that bar.
“It wasn’t good enough today, it’s as simple as that.”
The Pools took the lead after just seven minutes, thanks to Andy Monkhouse’s sublime strike from distance.
However, our boss believes the goal should have been prevented.
He continued: “It was uncharacteristic for us in terms of the first goal that we conceded.
“Usually we stop teams, and usually nobody gets a strike in from that distance.
“I was disappointed [that all four goals that we conceded were from long-range].
“We’ve built a reputation and success by working extremely hard and I don’t think that work-ethic was there in abundance today.
“I’m not saying the players didn’t work hard, but I don’t think that we properly applied ourselves in the correct way.
“It’s easy when you’re coming off a good win, which is why I called for consistency and we didn’t get that today.”
He added: “I’m hoping it’s a blip, but I’ll be looking for a response – and I’ll act on that response.”
Paul Cox’s full post-match interview will be available to Stags Player subscribers later tonight.
