Bentley blasts “shocking” defending in Dagenham defeat

The Shrimps were behind after just 17 seconds with Luke Howell giving the visitors an early lead.

Despite Andy Fleming levelling things up after 24 minutes the hosts again shot themselves in the foot early in the second period with goals from Ayo Obileye and Jamie Cureton all but making the game safe.

Jack Redshaw’s stoppage time consolation proved too little, too late for Bentley’s side.

The Shrimps boss said: “With the early kick-off on a Sunday it just didn’t feel like match day but I’m not making excuses because it’s the same for both sides.

“It was terrible start though.

“Whether it’s three o’clock, quarter to eight or one o’clock you just can’t start a game like that.

“It was far too easy and that doesn’t even happen in training.

“Thankfully we got to grips with the game after changing our shape and got into some promising positions and got the goal through Flemmo.

“But at half-time I was so frustrated and angry I had to have a good go which you hope will make them start the second half better.

“But at any level you can’t defend like we did for the second goal. It’s shocking. Far too easy.

“After that we had a go, created chances and didn’t have the little bit of luck we needed.

“But our shape was a bit ragged and they picked us off at will on the break and that’s how they got the third goal.

“They could easily have got one or two more but we should have got more than the one we did through Redshaw at the end.

“We’re better than what we showed today and I’ve had a few harsh words with them which I’ll keep within the four walls.

“I love working with these players but they know today is not acceptable.”

Bentley lamented a missed opportunity in front of his watching family as the Shrimps failed to record back-to-back home wins and slipped to eight points off the League 2 play-off places.

He said: “We’ve been doing okay of late and had a great win on Tuesday and you’re just hoping you can get three points at home and keep yourself in the hunt. It’s just so frustrating.

“It’s very difficult to take today with the manner we’ve lost.

“It’s always nice to bring the family up on a Sunday but they’ve been to three games this season and we’ve lost them all so they won’t be coming again!”