Ilmari Niskanen admitted that Exeter City’s recent run of results have not been acceptable – but he was fully confident the results would turn. The Grecians suffered a seventh defeat in eight on Saturday as they were beaten heavily away to Stevenage.

When Josh Magennis had put City ahead from the penalty spot in just the second minute, hopes of ending the winless run were raised. But Boro struck back and within 15 minutes were ahead, before running out 4-1 winners.

Three of the four, if not all four goals, which the hosts scored were down to the Grecians shooting themselves in the foot. The first two came from poor passes at the back, while there was a catalogue of errors for the fourth. It was another bad day for City who have just 10 points from the last 16 games and are being dragged into a relegation battle.

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“It is a very frustrating period we are going through and it is not acceptable the results we are putting out lately,” Niskanen said. “We are conceding way too many goals today, and it is really disappointing. We started brilliantly, first attack, got a goal, and then two unfortunate goals.

“We are in the game but the second half lacked a bit. The first half we played ok, second half we need to do better as well in the game but all the players are frustrated and we need to get better and we will.

“We need to trust ourselves even though times are tough, but we will bounce back, I am sure of it. But these are only words, we need to sort the actions on the pitch, and I am sure results will turn eventually

“We are determined and willing to get better results and I am sure we will, but we need to put those words into action. I have full belief in every player and we will bounce back.”

The Grecians took the lead with only two minutes on the clock. Ed Francis’ shot was handled, and the referee awarded a penalty. Magennis sent the goalkeeper the wrong way as City led. It was as good as it got.

The lead lasted just eight minutes though. Eli King, who had given the penalty away, pounced on a defensive error, before finishing sweetly. And with 17 minutes gone, Stevenage led. Cheick Diabate gave the ball away and while an initial effort was cleared off the line, Jordan Roberts smashed home the rebound.

Dan Kemp sealed the win 15 minutes from time when he fired home on the rebound after his initial effort was blocked. Roberts with his second of the game ended any slight hope City had with a fourth in the latter stages.

It is just one point from the last 24 available for Exeter, who have taken just 10 points from the last 16 games, and conceded 13 goals in the space of the last seven days. City stay 17 ^th in the League One table, but are increasingly looking over their shoulder and hoping the seven point gap to the relegation zone doesn’t narrow. Stevenage with their win rose to 11 ^th .