NEIL Young apologised to Altrincham fans for an "embarrassing" performance that left his side on the wrong end of a 6-0 drubbing against AFC Fylde at a stunned J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night.

Alty's "shellshocked" manager made no attempt to look for excuses for a home defeat believed to be their heaviest for over 50 years.

Trailing 5-0 at half time, previously-unbeaten Alty conceded a sixth goal in only the 47th minute and might have been humiliated even further, but for Fylde easing up.

"I've got to hold my hand up and say I probably got the team selection wrong, because we were far too open," said Young. "It was a harsh lesson for me after putting trust in a system aimed at getting us on the front foot but seeing it turn out like that.

"I should have been a bit more conservative with the formation, and that can be laid squarely at my feet. The result can be as well, because I am the manager of this football team, and I ain't ducking anything.

"That's my responsibility. I am thoroughly embarrassed, and I apologise to everyone who paid money to come and watch that, because it was absolutely woeful.

"We looked fine to begin with, but once the first goal went in, we absolutely capitulated. Players were given instructions but didn't seem to want to carry them out, and that first goal was a prime example.

"I have commended the players for their attitude and effort up to now, but there was none of that tonight, and I'm sure the supporters will feel cheated. There are no excuses, and if the players are anything like me, they will go away and think long and hard about what happened here.

"Collectively, from me down, tonight has been a disaster. I'm a bit shellshocked at the moment for blaming individuals over their goals, but I will study the dvd to get a better idea."

Damian Reeves, who got a knock late on, and Sam Patterson, who played despite flu symptoms, should be fit for Gainsborough away on Saturday.