Darren Sarll has described the 2-0 defeat to 10-man Exeter City as the worst he has seen since taking charge of the club in March.

The Comet: Bobby Olejnik makes a comfortable save from a header.Bobby Olejnik makes a comfortable save from a header. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2016)

Boro never looked like taking all three points despite playing 70 minutes with a man advantage following the dismissal of Jordan Moore-Taylor, and they paid the price thanks to two Exeter goals in two second-half minutes courtesy of Lee Holmes and Ollie Watkins.

The team left the pitch to boos and Boro’s manager said afterwards that his side had lacked energy and desire, two things that were ‘not acceptable’.

“I don’t work hard to watch that rubbish,” Sarll said afterwards.

“The players have worked hard this week like they have done since I’ve taken over. They’ve worked very, very hard to produce that. It’s a false picture but that’s where we’re at at the minute. We need to find some consistency.

“We had two terrific wins here and then we’ve had two disappointing defeats. I came away from Wycombe and I can hold my head up high as to what they put in, but I can’t stand here and defend anyone that’s energy-less for a game of football.

“To be energy-less is not acceptable. It’s not good enough for the viewing public, not good enough for me and not good enough for our dressing room.”

Sarll added: “To be in football is an absolute privilege. It’s an inspiring position to have. To be energy-less on a game on Saturday afternoon when two-and-a-half thousand people have paid to come and watch you play is [not acceptable]. And that lack of desire is probably the most disappointing part of the afternoon.

“We can’t defend bog standard throw-ins. People must have turned up today and thought ‘they must have Monday to Friday off, they must just join up on the Saturday and have a game’. Which believe you me is not the case. To be as soft from the basics is as bad as being energy-less.

“That’s the worse performance in my time. I was with [the crowd]. Saturday is a day really for me to sit and watch my team play. They’ve got to make all the decisions and take key moments in the game. We’ve got enough quality to take those key moments.”