DEAN HOLDSWORTH told his Chelmsford City players they need to deal with the pressure better after slumping to defeat at Dorchester.
Having won 2-0 at big-spending Ebbsfleet four days earlier, the Clarets headed to Dorset hoping for a third win of the season.
But their showing at the Avenue Stadium was almost as disappointing as their previous effort had been impressive.
The Magpies were without a win until Saturday, and Holdsworth was disappointed that it was his team who were on the receiving end.
"I cannot work out how that scoreline is like that," he said. "We've had so much play, so much possession and so many chances.
"Yes, the keeper's made a couple of good saves, but the quality in front of goal for me is so disappointing.
"We've still done the basics poorly for the goal we've conceded but we've had enough chances to win this game.
"We've created so many chances and we've not taken them."
Charlie Henry was twice denied by Alan Walker-Harris in the home goal before Dan Way gave the Magpies a 14th-minute lead.
Ben Watson was the architect, and his ball eventually fell to Way, who fired home inside the post.
Walker-Harris made the best of his saves early in the second half when he pushed Tom Derry's shot around the post.
And although the Clarets pushed forward, two efforts from substitute Sam Long – one deflected over and one just wide – were the closest they came to a leveller.
And the points were sealed in stoppage time when Nick Crittenden blasted home the second,
Before the game, it had been suggested that the home side were lacking in belief, but by the break that seemed to have changed.
"The goal gives them that belief and gives them confidence," Holdsworth added. "But it also creates pressure on our players who have got to handle that pressure in front of goal.
"That's what they are there for."
Dorchester lined up with two big men at centre-half and one of them – Aaron Pugh – was named man of the match after a dominant display which kept Rob Edmans out of the game.
And Holdsworth added: "When I see their number six getting man of the match, it tells me a bit about some of the performances.
"We're trying to ask players to do different things and they're still kicking it on his head, which is frustrating.
"If you're not going to learn, then you're going to learn the hard way. But taking all that away, we've created so many chances today, the game should have been dead and buried.
"They've been told a few home truths, some of them, because the standard we need is consistency and high consistency.
"If they think they can do it against Ebbsfleet on a Tuesday night and then turn up on a Saturday and not do it, then I'm disappointed with that."
The Clarets lost Tom Davis to a hamstring injury before the break, but were able to name Josh Warren on the bench after his loan arrival from Portsmouth.
And Holdsworth added: "Josh brings defensive cover or an option. They rate him, they want to get him some game time and involved in a first-team squad.
"I thank Portsmouth for doing it, it's not costing us any money, and hopefully we can get some opportunity for him."
The Clarets now head to Biggleswade Town in the FA Cup on Saturday and their manager is hoping for a response.
"We're going to work really hard now to get a performance," he added. "It would be lovely to have a good run.
"I'd be delighted but maybe after the criticism I've given them they'll stand up and be counted.
"What we had at Ebbsfleet was what we're looking for, they turned up, and I don't want to wait for that again.
