On paper this was our worst result since we got knocked out of the Challenge Cup by an amateur side a few years back.
There were extenuating circumstances in that we had a disjointed team that hardly knew each other.
Nevertheless, it's hard not to feel disappointed that we couldn't beat a team that has only won one of its last 58 league matches.We did concede 24 points when we played them at home earlier this season which I believe highlighted the defensive weaknesses we've had all year.
The Dons' decline in fortunes has been rapid. We seemed to peak very early in the season. Forward momentum has swiftly turned into a downward spiral.
Whilst it's hard to ignore what's been happening of late, it's still possible that we could get our act together for when it really matters, although any further steps backward will make a 'bounce back' harder.
We need to get some confidence back at Rochdale next weekend or else it'll seem as though we've got a mountain to climb at home to Barrow the week after; not forgetting it's Workington at home the following week.
Further home games against Coventry and Keighley could also look rather challenging if we don't improve in the mean time.
I don't think it's quite the end of the road for this season yet but we must see an upturn in our performances over the next three games. We don't necessarily have to beat Barrow and Workington but we must show that we can at least be competitive against them if we are to be seen as a serious threat in the play-offs.
At our very best, we're not far behind the top teams in this league but we're certainly way off the pace at the moment.
