Dave Challinor lamented the “horrendous” goals Sky Bet League Two leaders Stockport conceded in their 3-1 loss to Crewe as he admitted his side’s performance was “miles off” what he expects.
Mickey Demetriou put the visitors ahead before Stockport’s Tanto Olaofe equalised at Edgeley Park, but goals from Ed Turns and Josh Austerfield either side of half-time ensured back-to-back victories for Crewe in their promotion quest.
Second-placed Mansfield are now a point behind the Hatters and Challinor was in no mood to forget a bad night at the office as he demanded improvement after a four-game winning run came to an end.
“It’s a poor night for us. I’m not great for positives straight after a game and I could be sentimental and say ‘we’ve had a good run and we’re in a great position’ but that’s not me,” Challinor said.
“I don’t care what team you are, you can’t concede them goals. We’ve conceded three goals from set pieces, horrendous goals. I thought we were poor from the get-go and take nothing away from Crewe.
“You get the equaliser and you’re sort of back in the game, you shoot yourself in the foot and you try and regroup and make some changes at half-time and then you shoot yourself in the foot straight after half-time.
“It then becomes a poor night and one that I’d love to say I’m going to brush under the carpet and move on from but I’m not because this isn’t a short-term process around what tonight looks like, it’s longer term than that and that was miles off it from one of my teams.”
Crewe remain third after the impressive win but narrowed the gap to Stockport to four points as boss Lee Bell enthused about his side’s showing.
He said: “I think it’s the best result for the players to come away against a really top team with good players and rightly so, they’re top of the league.
“To put on that performance, all credit to the players as they played exactly how we wanted them to play, with the energy and understanding that we’re after. It was top drawer. We couldn’t have asked any more of the players.
“We got goals. That’s what we wanted to bring to the game and we thought we could get some control within the game of how they’re playing.
“It’s just a really good result, really positive. We’ll enjoy the next five minutes and then we’ll be focusing, as soon as we get on the bus, on Saturday.
“I go back to being that consistent team and if you want to achieve anything in this league it’s the consistency, but it’s a really good night and I hope the fans enjoyed it.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker