Mark Cooper criticises Notts County players for 'caving in' at Barnet

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has criticised his players following their 3-1 defeat at Barnet and 5-0 thrashing at Mansfield Town, saying they "caved in" and that he is considering starting youth team players in their place.

The Magpies led 1-0 at The Hive on Tuesday night but conceded thrice in the second half, just a few days after slumping to their biggest ever defeat in the Notts-Mansfield derby.

Cooper said: "I was really frustrated that we were really comfortable for half a game but the slightest bit of pressure from Barnet and we went under.

"No matter what players play, and they've all had an opportunity more or less, it may get to the stage now where I just throw the kids in. 

"You know they are going to run about, they will have no fear, and they will be desperate to play.

"Maybe we throw all the kids in and they will be proud to play for Notts County. That might be the way forward.

"Why not? I don't think we can get relegated and we need to salvage a bit of pride.

"The same players keep letting us down. I don't really like criticising players but sometimes you have to be truthful and say, 'hang on, this isn't acceptable'.

"We've had supporters come all the way from Nottingham and the tiniest bit of pressure and we cave in.

"If I get the job, the first thing I will look for is strong characters that can play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, can mix it, can play and ultimately can fight."

Cooper is in charge until the end of the season and has been set a points target to earn an extended contract. 

He added: "I said to them 'you have got two managers the sack already and you are not getting me out."

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