Brady Stone has launched a damning attack on his Ely City players after they slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Haverhill Rovers last night.

The Robins went into the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division clash in high spirits after fighting back to claim a 3-3 draw with high-flying Gorleston on Saturday but Stone says his side’s display in Suffolk was the worst he has seen as manager.

“I was embarrassed to be their manager,” he said.

“We were 2-0 down at half time but realistically it could have been six or seven.

“There was no talking, no organisation and they looked like a bunch of 15-year-olds playing against a men’s team.

“None of the players gave themselves any credit. I don’t like to pick on individuals because we’re a team but none of the players were good enough.”

Ely’s nightmare evening was made worse in the second half when James Seymour – who returned to the club from Newmarket Town this week – was sent off on his first appearance back in a red shirt.

“We switched it up a little bit in the second half and James came on and was the only one to show a bit of passion,” Stone added.

“He’s an Ely boy and came in and gave it a bit of a go so it was frustrating to see him sent off.

“What really upset me is that we’re not going to places like Haverhill and setting up defensively – we’re giving them the freedom to play.

“I really don’t know what is wrong at the moment. I don’t know whether it’s a personnel issue and we need to look at who we have at the club or whether it’s me and I should take a step back and let someone else come in.

“I spoke to Martin [Grey, assistant manager] after the game and said it’s the same old story – we take one step forward and five back.

“I’ve said to the players that if we carry on then there’s only one way we’re going and that’s down towards mid-table.”

Ely will hope to claim their first league win since the start of the month when they host Kirkley & Pakefield on Saturday (3pm), and Stone says he will ring the changes in an attempt to find a much-needed three points.

“We’re going to make six or seven changes, without a doubt,” he said.

“Playing like we did isn’t fair for the fans who pay to come and see them. The players let them down, the club down and themselves down.

“I don’t like to be too harsh on the players but they need to realise they have to be doing better. They need to come back this weekend with a better attitude.”