Southgate embarrassed by loss

04 April 2009 18:22
Gareth Southgate admitted Middlesbrough's performance against Bolton was unacceptable and urged his players to start picking up points quickly.[LNB] Boro had been looking to pick up a positive result to boost their chances of avoiding the drop but they crashed to a disappointing 4-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.[LNB]Southgate did not feel there was much to choose between the teams until Gary Cahill made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time, but offered no excuses for Boro's dismal display in the second period.[LNB]He told Sky Sports: "I thought that up until half-time there was nothing in the game and we looked like we were a threat. But we have defended really poorly and we haven't done enough to deserve anything from the game.[LNB]"In the end I am embarrassed that we have played like we have and as the manager of the football club I have to take full responsibility for that.[LNB]"Today wasn't acceptable and to come here and lose 4-1 is a huge disappointment.[LNB]"I thought we would always get something at their end of the pitch but we have shot ourselves in the foot with the goals we have conceded."[LNB]PrideBoro are now five points from safety with seven games of the season remaining but Southgate is staying positive.[LNB]He believes a home win against Hull City next weekend could be the springboard for a strong finish to the campaign.[LNB]"We have got seven games where the first thing we have to do is restore pride," said Southgate.[LNB]"The level of performance is going to be very important between now and the end of the season.[LNB]"While there is light there is hope and we know we have to get results very quickly. We are going to have to win at home next weekend and one win can bring two."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports