Micky Mellon pulled no punches after his Tranmere team slumped to a second successive league defeat with a disappointing 2-0 reversal at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

The Stags had already missed a penalty before Rhys Oates put them ahead on 18 minutes, who went onto secure their first win in 13 matches with a goal from Danny Johnson midway through the second half.

In stark contrast, Rovers' recent good form has seemingly evaporated, as back-to-back defeats see them drop back out of the play-off positions, and boss Mellon was in no mood to make excuses for it.

Speaking to reporters after the match, he said: “I think the performance never represented the travelling support or the club well enough.

“We were disappointing from the first moments. We did not match the intensity the game needed or match Mansfield’s intensity.

“It was a mad start to the game and we looked all over the place. We were making decisions that can only be a lack of focus.

“We are disappointed the fans who came over have been let down.

“We huffed and puffed at the start of the second half and then gave away a really poor goal that is not us. We never passed it well enough and we didn’t look a threat often enough.We got outrun at times, which is not like us.

“It was just a really poor all-round performance that includes me as manager – I am responsible for how we played and I take my share of responsibility for that.

“It was not good enough for a Tranmere team to play like that. We will be back in on Monday and work five days to the weekend to get back on track.”

Johnson fired high and wide from the spot in just the second minute after Tranmere goalkeeper Ross Doohan fouled Oates in a race for the ball.

Kieron Morris had a goal ruled out for offside for Rovers two minutes later.

Oates kept his cool to put Mansfield ahead after Stephen Quinn’s perfect pass opened up the defence.

Harry Charsley had two goalbound shots well blocked by Tom Davies as the Stags ended the half strongly.

Davies blazed over from close range before Mark Duffy and Morris had dangerous shots blocked on the hour mark.

But Johnson doubled Mansfield’s lead with a tap-in after Oates set him up after 67 minutes and the hosts easily held on for a comfortable win.

Rovers will now turn their attention to the FA Cup first round, with a long trip to Crawley Town this Saturday. Kick off 3pm.