ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman said he was devastated after his side's third consecutive league defeat.

The Reds failed to build on their first half dominance, which sent them into the break a goal up at Peterborough United.

Coleman knew their lead should have been greater after missing a host of chances and twice hitting the woodwork.

And he was bitterly disappointed to see Peterborough respond with three goals in four second half minutes to help steer them to a 4-2 win over Stanley - the first time they have lost three consecutive league games since their days in the UniBond League.

"I'm really upset. That's eight goals we've conceded in two games without being put under a lot of pressure," said Coleman, on the back of Stanley's Johnstone's Paint Trophy penalty shoot-out win over Blackpool.

"The game could have been over at half-time but we didn't take our chances when we were on top.

"If it had been a boxing match, the referee wouldn't have ended it, they would have thrown the towel in themselves.

"Ian Craney, Andy Todd and Paul Mullin missed absolute sitters.

"What I should do is give Keith Alexander a couple of quid to put the Lottery on for me because he will never be that lucky again.

"They will never get battered like they have done today and win."