Livid Stuart McCall issued a public apology after City crashed to the worst defeat of his short reign tonight.

Unfancied Accrington romped to a 3-0 win at a disbelieving Valley Parade - the third loss in a row for McCall's men.

It was the second at home in the space of four days and dumped City to sixth from bottom.

"We're giving teams victories and it's not acceptable," raged McCall, after the first two Accrington goals came from more self-inflicted blunders.

"They were two absolute joke goals to give away. That's six we've given away like that in the last three games - teams have not even had to work for them.

"Accrington were the better team all over the park but I think that comes from going 2-0 up and being given the goals. It's only human nature to go into your shell a little bit after that."

Despite the humiliating scoreline, City were given fantastic backing by the supporters, who kept singing through the whole second half - a gesture which earned special praise from joint-chairman Mark Lawn.

He said: "I've been coming here for 40 years and never heard a crowd get behind their team like that at 3-0 down.

"It was brilliant and I'd like to thank every one of them. We're all fans so let's stick together and we will come through this."

McCall added: "The players can't complain that their confidence is gone because they were getting booed. You'd think we were top of the Premier League with the backing we got - they were Premiership fans and all I can do is apologise.

"You have plenty of nights like these in football and it just makes me more determined as a manager to make sure I get it right here. I'll give everything to do that.

"I can promise our supporters I will be doing everything in my power, and so will the staff and the players, to turn things round."

Accrington's second came from a hesitation by Donovan Ricketts, who is coming under increasing pressure after a run of costly errors. City do not have a senior back-up keeper - something fans have been calling for.

"I don't like criticising individuals and I'm not going to start now," said McCall. "But we are giving away too many soft goals and all areas will be looked at.

"I'm saying it every game but we've got to look at where the mistakes are coming from and try to eradicate them.

"But we were poor all over the pitch. It was an absolutely disastrous night."

Paul Evans missed out after damaging his ankle tripping over a step. He will have a scan tomorrow to assess the damage but is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's trip to MK Dons.

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here