Stanley boss John Coleman admitted his side were second best on the day following their 4-1 defeat against Wigan Athletic at the Wham Stadium.

Jack Whatmough opened the scoring after seven minutes before Will Keane added a second headed home from Max Power’s cross.

The Reds pulled one back through Michael Nottingham’s second goal in as many games, but Charlie Wyke struck twice to seal an emphatic win for the Latics.

“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say the better side won and you have to congratulate them,” said Coleman.

“Historically we have given such a good account of ourselves against the bigger teams, but people forget the pool we are fishing in and the pool they are fishing in.

“I don’t like using money as an excuse, but the harsh reality is three of their players will probably take home the same as our first team, staff and Under-23s altogether. We do often defy the odds, but sometimes it does make a difference.

“The goal that hurt me most was the fourth one as 3-1 doesn’t look too bad but 4-1 makes it look a comprehensive defeat and it was kamikaze defending by us.”

Coleman left striker Dion Charles out of his squad, with the Northern Ireland international’s contract up at the end of the season.

He added: “Dion needs to realise it’s a two-way process football. We have given him a massive lift-up into his career and he has got to show commitment to the club and, at this moment in time, he is not.”