ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman slammed his side after their 1-0 loss to title favourites Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.
Striker Colin Cramb headed home a Jake Sedgemore cross on 81 minutes in front of a record crowd of 3143 at the Interlink Express Stadium.
"It was a disgraceful performance, one of the worst I have seen at the club since I have been there," said the gutted boss. "We showed them too much respect and didn't show enough effort or commitment. They are a good side but they will look a good side if we don't close them down. We were punished on our eighth mistake on the edge of the box - you just can't do that.
"There was no enthusiasm there - how do you teach that in training? They should have plenty and if these players don't show it then I am wasting my time. I have other players waiting to come in and who do want to play. I hope this was a one-off. It was disgusting and not acceptable to Accrington Stanley."
His Town counterpart Jimmy Quinn, whose side have picked up seven points out of the opening nine, didn't think the Reds were so bad.
"I think Accrington are a good side. Their manager obviously sets his standards high but I think they should be in the top eight or nine. They have quality all over the park."
The Reds did look tired after three games in a week - following the loss to Aldershot last Sunday and the victory over Leigh RMI on Wednesday. They did though start well, forcing the early pace and top scorer Lutel James had two good chances to break the deadlock but was denied by keeper Ian Dunbavin.
However, the Shrews, relegated from Division Three last season, started to find their feet and Steve Jakielka was the architect of a lot of their moves. He put in a stunning cross across the face of the goal which Cramb could only convert onto the outside off the post while £1m rated striker Luke Rodgers, being chased by Crewe, broke the off-side trap but was quickly challenged by Jonathan Smith and keeper Jon Kennedy to stop a certain goal.
The Reds did still have chances before the interval - Rory Prendergast fired in a corner which was flicked on by Smith and cleared off the line. But, after the break the Shrews came out fighting as they had chance after chance. Jamie Tolley fired a free kick wide, Kennedy got one hand to a Rodgers' chance and Robbie Williams headed Dave Ridler's effort off the line. Rodgers then headed a Cramb cross over and Jagielka's shot from a tight angle was saved by Kennedy.
Stanley did have a couple of opportunities - Andy Gouck headed over Paul Cook's free kick while Prendergast's cross found Procter whose effort was saved.
Then came the goal after Stanley lost the ball on the wing. Rodgers found Sedgemore who set up former Bury striker Cramb. And Cramb could have made it two but he was denied by Kennedy minutes later.
"The only plus was the performance of Robbie Williams. He was the only one playing for us," added Coleman.
