FLEETWOOD interim boss Stephen Crainey is looking for a reaction against Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Crainey’s men suffered a 5-1 defeat at Accrington Stanley over the weekend, having played most of the game with 10 men after Dan Batty was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Harvey Rodgers.

The result leaves the Cod Army in the League One drop zone, having taken 15 points from their opening 19 matches.

But Crainey insists his side cannot afford to dwell on recent results ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with the Whites.

“It was a tough and disappointing match (against Accrington). We knew it would be, but I don’t think we had any rub of the green,” he told the club’s website.

“I’m not making excuses but some of the decisions let us down. It’s no excuse though - in the end we have lost 5-1.

“We conceded some sloppy goals but there is no point dwelling on it, we have to quickly move on, dust ourselves off and focus on Tuesday.

“The red card is a big turning point but as I said there was a few decisions like us potentially having a penalty, but it was just one of those days.”

Crainey took charge at the Highbury Stadium on a temporary basis following Simon Grayson’s departure last month.

Despite their recent struggles, the former Scotland international says he is pleased with the squad’s attitude.

He added: “The work ethic this team has shown since I’ve come in has been really positive.

“They give me everything in training and there’s a balance between youth and senior players who all get along.

“We have to take things day by day and keep together so that we can focus on the next game.

“The team are allowed to play with freedom but we need to keep working and graft every single day to build on our worth ethic.”

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