Interim boss John Doolan admitted it has been a "difficult week" for the Stanley squad following their 3-0 defeat against Bradford.

Doolan was in charge at the Wham Stadium following the sacking of long-serving duo John Coleman and Jimmy Bell.

The Bantams opened the scoring after 12 minutes when Andy Cook flicked the ball on for Plymouth loanee Tyreik Wright, who fired past Radek Vitek.

It was two after 23 minutes when a Lewis Richards long throw left Wright one-on-one with Vitek and he slotted into the far corner.

Number three came after 38 minutes when the prolific Cook fired home his 16th goal of the season.

"The damage was done in the first half but we have some young lads who will learn from playing against their experienced players," said Doolan.

“It was tough, you can’t give those goals away and I was disappointed with the first-half performance but we showed great reactions in the second half.

“It’s been a difficult week but the lads don’t mean to make mistakes or give the ball away. The second-half reaction was good.

“I am proud of them for, in the second half, having a go, sticking to the task and hopefully that will put them in good stead going forward.

“I believe in the players. Whoever gets picked I want their heads up, I want them to stay together and we have a good squad of players, senior and very young.

“For me, it’s one game at a time until I am told otherwise.”