BROMSGROVE boss Brendan Kelly says his players lacked "effort and backbone" as they fell to a rare defeat at the Victoria Ground.

The Rouslers were hit with a 2-0 loss against Banbury last Saturday as they suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

Despite still creating 11 efforts at goal, it was the nature of his side's display that disappointed the manager.

Kelly said: "The defeat was extremely concerning.

"I can accept player performances and quality not being up to scratch week in, week out, but what I can't accept is a lack of effort and a lack of people trying.

"Putting a shift in is a given yet only three or four players came out of the game with a little bit of credibility. It's something I can't accept.

"We've got a big week now to put it right but we have made too many individual mistakes.

"We usually react well as a side after a defeat but there was a massive lack of effort and backbone.

"Credit to Banbury, they were probably the best passing side I have seen at the VG since my time, but the fact is that we let them do that.

"We haven't lost at home since March or April 2018 and that record was on the way out and we didn't seem to care.

"It has to be a wake-up call because a number of the players are now in the firing line, including those who came on.

"The issue will be addressed and I just hope it was a lot of players all having a bad day at the same time.

"So far this season all everyone in the back four have made mistakes that have led to goals. I thought we were over that but it seems to have come back.

"I learned a lot from the game and whoever is lucky enough to get the chance to redeem themselves this weekend need to take it."

Sporting will now turn their attention to this Saturday's FA Cup clash with Stourbridge at the Victoria Ground.

Kelly added: "We're going to see who the real characters are and who is brave and who wants to play well. There is no place to hide now."

Will Shorrock will have a thigh injury assessed before the weekend and Nathan Hayward should return from illness. Liam Spink remains doubtful following an ankle injury.