STANLEY boss John Coleman was left ruing individual errors following his side’s 5-1 defeat against Oxford at the Kassam Stadium.

Nathan Holland bagged a brace for the hosts, with Matty Taylor and Mark Sykes also on target before an unfortunate own goal from Michael Nottingham in injury time.

Ethan Hamilton got on the scoresheet for the Reds in the second half – the midfielder’s first goal for the club since joining from Peterborough United over the summer.

Coleman insists his side were much better than the scoreline suggests but admits the hosts' ruthless finishing made the difference.

“Oxford were the better team but I thought we actually played quite well, and I know that sounds strange after losing 5-1," said the Stanley boss.

“They were just clinical in front of goal, whereas we keep making individual errors which are costing us goals. We gifted them at least three goals tonight.

“We also scored a perfectly good goal from Ethan Hamilton when it was 2-0 which wasn’t given, the ball was clearly over the line. We keep getting decisions like that go against us.

“I honestly thought we were the better team in the second half even though we have ended up losing (the half) 3-1. They were just ruthless in front of goal.

“Oxford missed a lot of chances in their game on Saturday so maybe they were saving it up for tonight.

"It is a concern for us, though, that we’ve conceded 12 goals in three games.”

The Reds have now gone four games without a win in League One, but Coleman is confident they can bounce back.

He added: “Analysing it, there have been nine different players who have made an error in those 12 goals.

“How do you legislate for that? You can’t leave nine players out of a team.

“But we’re not scared of hard work, and your luck will change if you get back to basics and you work hard enough.”

Coleman’s men are back in action when they welcome Ipswich to the Wham Stadium on Saturday afternoon (KO 3pm).