DESPAIRING Burnley boss Steve Cotterill admitted he felt let down by his players after their 3-0 defeat at Ninian Park.

And the Clarets manager urged them to have a long, hard look at themselves after the way they capitulated in just five minutes of the second half on Saturday.

"We had a madcap five minutes. I don't know how else to describe it," he said.

"I thought we were comfortable. I didn't think there was a lot between the sides to be honest.

"I thought at half-time the chances were it could have been one of those 0-0s. But we had a madcap five minutes that really cost us.

"Unfortunately our first half performance is out of my head now because I can only remember some of the things that have gone on in the second half.

"They are unlike us, I have to say that probably in their (the players') defence. Having said that I don't feel as though I want to defend them today.

"I feel hurt and disappointed by that.

"I work my socks off for them. I never let them down. Never."

Cotterill was ashen faced after seeing his side ship three goals in the 59th, 61st and 64th minutes of Saturday's game.

The Burnley boss had been hoping for at least a point after his defenders kept Cardiff new boy Steve Thompson at arm's length for the first 45 minutes.

Wayne Thomas, in only his second start since August, had done a sterling job in not offering former Glasgow Rangers striker Thompson a sniff of goal.

But all that changed after the break as Cardiff's new £200,000 signing made himself an instant hit among Bluebirds supporters with his quickfire brace.

"Just how I feel about it right now makes me sick to the pit of my stomach," Cotterill added.

"The game was difficult enough as it is coming down to Cardiff. They were on the back of a 5-1 turning over so they had to obviously get back on track.

"We'll be pleased to be back at home next week.

"That's four out of five away games with the Brighton game coming up.

"So we need to get back at home and get some points back on the board again quickly."