Port Vale boss Andy Crosby lamented a “lack of concentration” as his side were undone by Carlisle United at the death.

The visiting manager felt his side were not organised well enough for the corner which led to Jon Mellish’s winner.

Vale had led at Brunton Park through Ben Garrity’s goal but failed to prevent Paul Simpson’s Blues fighting back for a crucial 2-1 win.

Jordan Gibson’s penalty and then Mellish’s injury-time header turned things around in a game where mid-table Vale struggled to get on top of struggling Carlisle throughout.

“[It was] a lack of concentration in the 94th minute from a set play. We don’t get set up right,” said Crosby, speaking to Vale's local media after the game.

“Our organisation and record at set plays is the best in the league. So to concede from that situation is very disappointing.

“Our retention of the ball throughout the game was poor.

News and Star: Andy CrosbyAndy Crosby (Image: PA)

“We managed to get in front early in the second half with another goal from Ben, but we struggled first half to try and dominate [Joe] Garner off first contacts, which meant we had to do a lot of defending, defending our box.

“Getting ourselves in front gave us something to look after but our retention of the ball meant we could never get up the pitch enough and get our wing-backs higher.

“Then we give a penalty away and give away a corner in the 94th minute.”

Crosby also cited a number of injuries in the Vale camp, as well as illness which has affected his squad this week – while the visitors also lost defender Jesse Debrah to a first-half injury.

But he also felt his side should have dealt better with the finale in front of the Warwick Road End.

“We have to get better in every single situation and every aspects of the game,” added Crosby, whose side slipped a place to 15th in League One.

“Is there enough on the pitch at the end to see out that situation? I’d like to think so. But we didn’t get ourselves set up right and lose a first contact right in the middle of our six-yard box.

“You’ve just got to be prepared to head the ball and get our organisation right.”