STANLEY boss John Coleman says his side looked “sluggish” in their 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town.

Kyle Vassell scored the decisive goal with 11 minutes to go, slotting home after Toby Savin had saved Will Boyle’s effort.

At the other end, Harry Pell nearly scored against his former club but he was denied by a fine stop by Scott Flinders.

Coleman felt the Reds had enough chances to win the game but insists the performance wasn’t up to his standards.

“Our away form is horrendous,” he said. “We looked a shadow of the team that beat Ipswich a fortnight ago.

“We looked sluggish and tired and we were sloppy all over the park. I don’t know why, but we didn’t lay a glove on them after the goal.

“Their keeper made an incredible save from Harry Pell who could’ve had the match ball.

“There are two ways we can go. We can curl up and feel sorry for ourselves. Or we can stick our chests out and go for it.

“We could’ve won the game, but I still wouldn’t have been happy with the way we played.”

The result leaves the Reds 11th in the league table, having taken 16 points from their opening 12 matches.

Coleman’s men are back in action on Tuesday night when they head to the Valley to take on Charlton Athletic (KO 7:45pm).