Crewe Alex manager apologises for 'embarrassing' Easter Monday performance
Crewe Alexandra's manager has apologised to supporters - after his side produced an 'embarrassing' Easter Monday bank holiday performance down in Essex.
The Railwaymen lost 4-0 to relegation-threatened Colchester United on Monday 10 April - with Lee Bell infuriated by the 'horrible' performance.
This heavy away defeat came just three days after Crewe defeated Barrow 3-0 at Mornflake Stadium - who also beat Doncaster Rovers away 2-0 the week before.
Bell told Crewe Alexandra's website: "It could have been seven. It was a really poor performance.
"It was lacklustre, a lack of energy and a lack of determination.
"I expected a tight game but they were much more up for the fight than what we were.
Crewe struggled to get into the game and suffered a blow when defender Connor O'Riordan went off injured the 22nd minute.
By the 28th minute, the Alex found themselves 2-0 down - following a quick-fire double from John Akinde.
The game was wrapped up in the 40th minute with Noah Chilvers making it 3-0.
Samson Tovide added further misery to Crewe's woes - adding a fourth just 10 minutes into the second half.
Bell was quick to apologise to Crewe supporters after the game.
The manager said: "I spoke to the supporters after the game and told them this is on me. There is a way of losing matches and that wasn't it.
"It wasn't premeditated, but thought of all the miles they have travelled - they probably came here with optimism – and it's Easter so they have probably given up time with their families to be here.
"I just wanted to apologise. Now we have got a job to put it right. I'll never hide, but we all have to step up. We have to do it, not just say it. I can only apologise.
"The word 'embarrassed' was used by a couple of players in the changing room afterwards and I can't disagree, I thought the performance was embarrassing."
188 Crewe fans made the 215-mile trip to Essex - with Bell sympathetic to all that made the long journey and those who paid to watch at home.
The manager added: "It really hurts, it stings, it's horrible. We've got the fans here, people at home watching it, all paying their money.
"They want to see their team being competitive and we weren't competitive at all. It feels like one step forward and five back.
"You can be consistent and still lose a game; you can hit a level and still be beaten, because there are so many factors at play.
"But if you drop your levels and don't compete, you are going to be on the end of something like that. Colchester fully, fully deserved their win."
Next up: Crewe Alexandra host mid-table Walsall at Mornflake Stadium on Saturday 15 April.
READ MORE: Crewe hospital hit by four-day junior doctors strike affecting services.
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