DEJECTED Mikey Harris described his side’s 12th away calamity as his most “difficult evening” in management since he was appointed in the hot-seat last summer and apologised to the 85 die-hard visiting fans.

The Salisbury City boss, 29, witnessed his team being cut to shreds in Gloucestershire against a side who also have a place in the top five in their sights.

The 4-0 crushing was almost a replica of the 4-1 mauling Forest Green Rovers dished out at the Ray Mac in November.

“Almost to a man they were very poor and I don’t know what I can put it down to,” Harris explained.

“How we can go from the way we performed on Saturday to defeat three days later I don’t know.

“A positive result on the Saturday needs to be followed up on the Tuesday.

It’s all about the next game and we let it pass us by.

“I was happy with the performance up until the goal and we switched off from a set piece. But credit to Forest Green Rovers they took their chances and were much better than us.”

“I made sure we didn’t concede early on but we didn’t build on that platform.

The incensed head coach told the Journal the players were called in for training on Wednesday, their day off, and again yesterday and today.

“I’ve told the players it’s unacceptable.”

“They will do what it takes, and get back to the drawing board, to make sure I get a reaction on Saturday.

“Normally they have Wednesdays off, but not this week.

“We’ll work hard on the training pitch, in our analysis, recover properly and be as professional as we can.”

“I didn’t say a great deal to them afterwards because I don’t think it was the time or place to do that.

“I can honestly say it’s probably my most difficult evening since I took the job and I’d like to apologise to the fans who came here, like me, with high hopes.

“I ask myself what’s the point of doing research on teams when the players don’t take my advice on board.

“The work which we do in the week is gone in a flash because people don’t take responsibility for their jobs.

“We now have to move on.”

Salisbury look to bounce back with the arrival of Gateshead on Saturday (3pm).

He added: “We’ve got a chance to make amends for Tuesday.

“I’m confident I’ll get a positive reaction as they’re an honest bunch of lads.”