Bury boss David Flitcroft fears that the current run of bad form will affect the confidence and development of the younger players after a 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood.
The Shakers, who have now lost seven consecutive League One away games, looked vulnerable at set pieces and conceded two poor second-half goals.
The opener from Ash Hunter was a particular cause for concern to the manager as Antoni Sarcevic’s pass from his own half split the Bury defence.
“The goal just drains the confidence,” Flitcroft said.
“My worry is that as a group that we’re getting used to that – I’ve got to lead them through the troubled water and you could see [the confidence] drain out of them.
“At 0-0 it looked like the younger players were growing into the game and we were in the ascendancy and it looked better.
“I asked the younger players how they felt on the impact of that first goal – some of the younger players just felt as though it’s a moment that sucks that confidence and energy out of you.”
Club captain Nathan Cameron called for unity in the squad to overcome recent results with the Shakers recording just two league wins since the end of October.
Despite the result he felt there were some positives to take from the game ahead of the weekend’s third found FA Cup clash against Bradford.
“We’re struggling on the road at the minute but we’ve got to stay together as a group,” Cameron said.
“The support from the fans was brilliant again today and it’s just disappointing [to lose] when they turn out in their numbers like that.
“We played better than we did at Port Vale, moved the ball well and created a few more chances. A disappointing defeat but we’ve got to kick on with a massive game next week in the FA Cup.”
Image courtesy of Bury FC via YouTube, with thanks.
