WORCESTER City joint manager Carl Heeley slammed his side’s “abysmal” defending in their 3-1 defeat at Stalybridge Celtic.

The defeat leaves City at the foot of the Conference North table.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men in a goalless first-half before Celtic struck three times in the second period.

Centre-back Tom Sharpe was sent off after five minutes when he brought down Celtic striker Alex Johnson inside the box.

Heeley said: “We created enough chances to have got something out of the game but I’m afraid that our defending was just abysmal.

“Defensively as a unit that was not acceptable.

“They had three free headers from corners or free-kicks for their goals.

“Our sending off was because we didn’t have the discipline to stay with the runner. It just wasn’t good enough.

“Going forward we looked a genuine threat and their keeper made some fine saves.

“So did Ethan Ross for us in all fairness but the difference between the two sides was our poor defending that gave them their goals.”

Heeley added: “If you played parks football on a Sunday you would get punished if you defended like we did.

“But we have players who have played at a higher level than this and I expect far more from them.

“The bottom line is that I’m not prepared to accept defensive performances like that.”

Heeley had some sympathy for the Stalybridge red card.

Alex Mudimu was dismissed for a challenge on City midfielder Dean Waldron, who was stretchered off.

“I didn’t think the lad [Mudimu] has gone in with any attempt to try and hurt Dean,” Heeley said.

“He’s made a genuine attempt to win the ball but unfortunately Dean just got there a split-second before him and he’s caught him halfway up his shin.

“Fortunately, Dean hasn’t broken his leg. It is badly bruised but no long-term damage.”