Neal Ardley says too many players had off days as we were beaten 3-0 by Barrow and thinks the result provides a reality check.
Early goals from Dior Angus and John Rooney gave us a mountain to climb and substitute Jack Hindle sealed our fate three minutes from time as the Bluebirds moved to the top of the Vanarama National League.
The loss was our first at Meadow Lane since 10 August, bringing an end to our nine-match unbeaten run at home.
And, speaking to the media post-match, the boss conceded that the better side won.
“Today we played against one of the top teams in the league and had an off day,” admitted Ardley.
“We didn’t turn up and they were very good. We gave away bad goals and I’d probably count nine players who performed below expectations.
“We win together and we lose together, and today was a bad day at the office all round.
“We’ve been shown that we’re not the best team in the league, which is what some people were saying, and it’s a reality check.”
Ardley felt his side were outworked and says the players are disappointed with what they produced.
“Barrow looked like they had more intensity and energy than us, and I haven’t said that much this season,” said the boss.
“We defended and attacked poorly, and the players are angry with themselves.
“The good thing is that when we’ve been beaten in the past, we’ve gone again – that’s what we have to do.
“It’s the back end of November and we’re just six points off the top. If someone offered you that at the start of the season you’d snap their hand off.
“We have to take the defeat on the chin, bounce back and make sure we get positive comments next week.”