Lillis: It was unacceptable

Assistant manager Mark Lillis spoke to iFollow Iron after his side's 4-0 home defeat to Exeter City on Saturday.

First team manager Neil Cox was absent from the game due to personal circumstances, with Lillis, coach Tony McMahon and goalkeeping coach Paul Musselwhite taking the team in his absence.

"I'm totally disappointed, and disappointed for the fans as well," said Lillis.

"In the first half I thought we did okay but ultimately came in 1-0 down. It was about motivating the lads and trying to stay in the game. But we totally didn't stay in it and it was unacceptable what happened, in terms of some of the goals that we conceded.

"We'll look at it more over the weekend but it's unacceptable when it's that easy for the opposition to score the goals.

"We did a lot of work on what their strengths are and you have to take that on board. You have to do the dirty work and in the second half we didn't do that.

"The second goal came 30 seconds after half-time and it was down to our mistakes again. We've had a few words (in the changing room). We've just conceded four goals at home and up to recently we've been solid defensively as a team.

"We've got a tough game at Carlisle next week and hopefully we can improve. One thing that is for sure is we'll be working our socks off all week.

"Some of the lads carried on wanting the ball, and that's what you look for when you're getting beaten by two, three or four. Those players stood up to be counted.

"Harry Davis took a cut to his head and we'll look at that over the weekend. It's difficult when you have a big cut on your head to go and keep heading balls, and that leading by example aspect is exactly why he's captain."

The game saw a first 90 minutes for Ross Millen after a disrupted pre-season due to a hamstring injury.

Lillis added: "Those minutes will do Ross the world of good. He's had a full week's training and is a good guy around the dressing room. He's a good professional and hopefully he can get better and better with every game."

See much more from Mark Lillis and Ross Millen on iFollow Iron.