John Coleman said his side only had themselves to blame for their 1-0 defeat at York City.
Keith Lowe headed home the winner from a set-piece in the 35th minute even though York had Bradley Halliday sent off in the 61st minute.
Luke Simpson made some strong saves for Stanley but the Reds also wasted chances with Matt Crooks, Piero Mingoia and Rob Atkinson unable to get past former Stanley keeper Alex Cisak.
"We have only got ourselves to blame," said the Stanley boss. "They have made two good chances and our keeper has made two good saves but we have gifted them a goal from a set-play.
"Then it was always going to be difficult against ten-men as the packed men behind the ball.
"We did not do enough to lose the game but we did not do enough to win the game. It is all about taking your chances and we wasted a couple of great chances.
"It is not the first time it has happened but we have got to keep plugging away. I have had a good chat with the players but you can't beat them as we have a massive game in two days time."
He continued: "This is the best defence I have worked with, and I have worked with some good ones, but we are conceding some silly goals. We are defending well for large periods but then we can switch off for one moment and we are being punished.
"We are also not taking our chances and we are too inconsistent. We have got to get the right formula and ingredients to win games."