Accrington Stanley boss Cook: We must stop the rot (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington Stanley boss Cook: We must stop the rot

10:40am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport By Gary York

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ACCRINGTON Stanley manager Paul Cook admits his side must 'stop the rot' after their play-off chances took another big dent at Crewe Alexandra last night.

Late goals from Railwaymen duo Max Clayton and Luke Murphy condemned the Reds to their third straight defeat in League Two.

Stanley are now seven points off the play-offs, and without a goal in five hours of football, ahead of Saturday's trip to Swindon.

While the Reds boss saw an improvement in last night's display from the weekend thrashing at the hands of Plymouth, he admits a result is needed at the weekend.

"We've got to stop the rot, it's as simple as that," said Cook.

"When you take a new job, the anxiety spreads with each game, of course it does.

"But from Saturday to tonight, we improved a heck of a lot.

"The lads showed a great appetite for the game. I thought we played well tonight, so that pleased me."

Cook added: "You could see the players' shoulders go down the moment Crewe scored.

"But credit to Crewe, they are a good side. They moved the ball really well."