Stanley boss John Coleman admits losing a two-goal lead felt “gut wrenching” following their 3-2 defeat against Bolton Wanderers at the Wham Stadium.

Shaun Whalley gave the Reds an early lead before Coleman’s men double their lead through a George Johnston own goal.

But Bolton hit back through a Harvey Rodgers own goal, before Kieran Lee and Dapo Afolayan struck in a ruthless four-minute spell to secure the three points.

Coleman said: “At the time, going from 2-0 up to losing is gut-wrenching but if we had won 2-0 then it would have been harsh on them as they were the better team.

“The turning point was the header cleared off the line. I think if we had gone 3-0 up they would have struggled to come back from that.

“But they got the first and we feel it was a clear foul in the build-up to their second goal. However, when they get a head of steam up, they are difficult to stop.

“That’s our third league defeat on the bounce but the last time we did that, we won three on the bounce so we have to hope for the same.

“It is a worry as we have conceded nine goals in our last three league games, but I don’t think the goals today were as avoidable as some. They were the better team.

“It is a long, hard season and we have to scrap for as many points as we can to make sure we stay up.”

The result leaves Stanley 17th in the League One table, while Bolton climb back into the play-off places.

Coleman’s men are back in action on Tuesday night when they make the trip to the Weston Homes Stadium to take on Peterborough United (KO 7:45pm).