MATT Taylor said Moors committed an act of ‘self-sabotage’ as he admitted being ‘slightly embarrassed’ after a first half collapse at Aldershot.
The former Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth defender’s shocking start to life in charge at Damson Park showed no sign of ending in Hampshire.
The Moors were one down inside the opening 60 seconds and three adrift at the break.
Fletcher Holman emerged with some credit after grabbing a consolation but a miserably evening in Hampshire ended with a 3-1 defeat and a late sending-off for Conor Wilkinson – on his return from injury – only compounded matters.
Since officially taking charge on January 25, Moors have lost six out of seven – including five in succession.
He said: “It was self-sabotage. We had the kick-off and we don’t get it right, we concede directly from that.
“What chance do you give yourself away from home in the National League with a start like that?
“The players looked fearful. I just felt – slightly embarrassed – being three-nil down at half-time.
“The things in football that don’t require any talent – we didn’t do. We didn’t win enough contacts, second-balls, 50-50s, we were losing all over the pitch.
“I don’t see that every day in training. That’s a concern.
“Ultimately, we were our own worst enemies.
“When you come somewhere it’s going to be hostile, the pitch isn’t good and you don’t deal with the opposition strengths, what else can you expect?
“Half-time was painful. Fletcher Holman came on and gave us more impetus.
“We were much better in the second half. Then Conor gets sent off, which wasn’t ideal.
“As I stand here, it’s a painful one.
“My over-riding reaction is that we didn’t do the side of the game you need to at this level.”
Moors now enjoy three of the next four fixtures being at Damson Park with Sutton United, Ebbsfleet and Yeovil Town within the next three weeks.
Taylor added: “They’re going to have to suffer in training, without the ball.
“It will come down to hard work. Our of possession wasn’t anywhere the level it needed to be.
“It’s too easy to score against us.
“We need to be more difficult to play against.
“I understand the supporters’ frustration and their annoyance will be with me. I get that.
“You have to take criticism at any level of football.
“We have to be better. It starts and finishes from me. This wasn’t good enough. We have to work for seven days before the next game.
“It will look different against Sutton, I promise.”
