PAUL Cox blasted his Mansfield Town side's sloppiness after the Stags boss watched his team return from a two-week break from action with a 2-1 home loss to local rivals Alfreton Town in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
His side took the lead through John Dempster only to concede from a free-kick two minutes later. And then centre-half Exodus Geohaghon was too easily knocked off the ball, leading to Alfreton's second-half winner.
This below-par display was the last thing Cox wanted, ahead of entertaining leaders Grimsby on Saturday and visiting Alfreton on January 1.
He said: "I thought the lads would be a little bit more energetic. But we were sloppy for both goals. We were sloppy trying to get the ball back and gave away a free-kick, then switched off on the set-piece and the second goal was just a comedy goal really.
"We were sloppy in the last third as well and at the end, we should have scored. I am just hoping that one or two have not got their eye on January 6 (against Liverpool, FA Cup).
"We lacked that mental strength. I expected more from us, I am bitterly disappointed."
