Manager Shaun Derry has described Notts County’s performance against Walsall as unacceptable and expects a big response next weekend.
Notts were defeated 5-1 by the Play-Off chasers at Meadow Lane and the manner of the loss left the gaffer unimpressed.
The players have apologised for their group display but Derry wants them to channel their frustration into a big performance away at Preston North End on Saturday.
He said: “We’ve come a long way in a short space of time and this does feel like a huge backward step and that’s not acceptable.
“I’ve said to the lads that they can go home and finger point and make excuses but ultimately we get judged on what happens on a Saturday afternoon.
“I don’t want us to put this at the back of our minds when we come in on Monday, I want us to take stock of what’s happened.
“I thought we were making strides and, you know what, I know we’re making strides but now I’m looking at us to produce a reaction next Saturday.
“The way we lost was not acceptable and have the lads apologised? Of course they have.
“That apology will only become real if they respond in the right way next weekend.”
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