Mark Yates admits: 'We lacked spark'

Despite having most of the possession, the Reds were unable to create clear-cut attempts and were not able to finish the chances they made.

Notts County soaked up Reds’ pressure and broke away to score a 62nd minute against the run of play.

He said: “You know they had a new manager and he’s done his homework on us and we didn’t do what we have been doing that has got us results and if you don’t do that you don’t give yourself too many chances of winning the game.

“We know where we are and we aren’t going to beat ourselves up too much because you’ve got to give credit to the opposition.

“It isn’t about who has the most possession, it’s about what you do with it.

“We didn’t cause them enough problems to be fair. It’s just one of those frustrating afternoons.

“It was cold, the pitch was a bit bumpy and dead and the performance was a bit ropey and dead. We didn’t have enough spark.

“I wanted them to give me a bit more in the second half and we couldn’t get a head of steam up.

“We didn’t do what we have been doing well recently. There were some bright moments but not nearly enough.

“I need them again next week and during the week to get properly prepared for Yeovil and that gives us a chance to try and sort out our away form.”

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