Walsall boss Darrell Clarke admitted his team’s performance wasn’t at the required level against Southend United on Saturday.
The Saddlers fell to a 1-0 defeat against the Shrimpers after Emile Acquah netted in the 88th minute, seven minutes after Elijah Adebayo missed a penalty for the home side.
Clarke has called on his players to show more consistency after what he felt was a disappointing display from his players.
“It was a performance where we looked very lethargic," said Clarke. "Especially in the first half when we want to get on the front foot.
“We can all go on about missed opportunities but for me the performance in general wasn’t good enough to win the game.
“I’ve got to take the brunt of it, they’re my players.
“But if they don’t want to be bog standard League Two players - and I think I have some good players in there and some decent characters - then they have to start showing it on a consistent basis.
“We can’t just switch on like a tap.
“This typifies the reasons why we’re drawing too many games this season.
“Our penalty miss and them scoring after that sums us up a little bit to be honest.”
The Saddlers have a free week with no midweek match for the first time in six weeks.
Clarke is looking forward to getting back on the training pitch but insists the busy schedule in recent weeks will not be used as an excuse for Saturday's defeat.
"I don't want to use tiredness as an excuse, it's the same amount of games for everyone,” he commented.
"The excuses, when you've lost a game, don't cut it and I get that.
"I represent my players and this performance was nowhere near good enough. My players know that.
"We have to get back on that training, with a fresh week ahead of us and be a damn sight better next week.”
The Saddlers now turn their attentions to this Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham Town.
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