CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly blasted the attitude of his players after a shock 2-0 defeat at home to Fearnhead.
Despite being rock bottom on their arrival at Reaseheath, two first-half goals saw the visitors climb MCL Division Two thanks to their first victory of the season.
It was a total disaster for O'Reilly's boys who have now seen their initially impressive promotion push come off the rails with three straight defeats.
"They were a lot better side than us," he said.
"I'd love that team, they gave it their all.
"It was just another game to our players and it doesn't seem to hurt them enough.
"It must have been a good game for the neutrals with plenty of chances but it wasn't Crewe FC.
"Their lads couldn't walk or talk after, they'd put that much effort in.
"It was like they'd won the league afterwards and that's how important it is to some players.
"On that performance they deserved everything they got."
Now down to seventh, the boss believes they can forget promotion on current form.
"We're not good enough," he added.
"We need to consolidate our position in this league.
"The table doesn't lie and we're a mid-table side at the moment.
"I don't mind losing if you go down with graft and fight.
"Fearnhead had one point on the board but you've got to earn the right to win.
"It's disappointing that some of our lads thought they just had to turn out to get three points.
"I've got to take some of the blame because I put those 11 players out.
"Lee Westwood worked hard and Darren Vickers as well but we've got no excuses and the lads have let everybody down."
Crewe FC take a break from league action with a trip to Chester Nomads in the Cheshire Cup, this Saturday.
"We've lost three on the bounce now and we've got to stop the rot," continued O'Reilly.
"It'll be a tough game for us, especially at the moment.
"We've gone out a few times to them in this competition.
"We need a win and it's going to be a test of character now."
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