ACCRINGTON Stanley's play-off hopes are hanging by a thread after their loss at Crawley Town.
The Reds have picked up just two points out of the last nine to drop to seventh in the league - and they now have a mountain to climb in their last four league games.
"It is as low as I have felt as a manager," said Boss John Coleman, who kept his players locked in the dressing room long after the final whistle.
"We dominated the first half and missed chances again. That is the same old story with us. If we had won all the games we had dominated we would be top of the league. It is so hard to take.
"We have got to win our last four games now - and that is a big ask."
Stanley forced a succession of corners but failed to capitalise in the opening stages although the crossbar saved Crawley when Matt O'Neill's effort was tipped onto the woodwork by Andy Little.
Crawley scored with their first attack when Simon Wormull's effort hit the post and new signing Steve Burton pounced to stroke the ball home in the 34th minute.
Paul Mullin then hit the bottom of the post just before the break and Stanley were made to rue their missed chances after the interval. On 54 minutes, Danny Marney headed home a Wormull cross to give them a 2-0 lead.
The Reds fans were hoping their side could bounce back as they did against York on Easter Monday - but it wasn't to be and was a long trip home for fans, players and management.
