JASON GILLESPIE branded Sussex’s record defeat to Northamptonshire as unacceptable.

The head coach made no excuses after Sussex crashed to a 393-run loss - the heaviest margin of defeat in their history in a County Championship game.

Sussex lost nine wickets for 70 runs on the third day at Hove after being 35-1 chasing a notional target of 499 runs.

Bowled out for 106 in the first innings, Sussex collapsed to 105 all out in their second as defeat was greeted by boos from some home supporters.

The heavy loss followed on from the 196-run home defeat to Durham last week.

Although missing a number of experienced players including Chris Jordan, Mir Hamza, Danny Briggs and Stiaan van Zyl, Gillespie admitted the team had come up short.

Gillespie said: “The lads are very disappointed, everyone is very disappointed – it’s an unacceptable performance and we have got to turn that around.

“We can’t continue to put in performances like that.”

Gillespie believes his players must examine their own individual efforts as they bid to get back on track in the chase for promotion from division two.

He said: “The lads have to have honest reflections on their own performances and as a team we need to be better when we’re out on that field together.

“We didn’t score enough runs and the lads have to work out what they can do better to get the job done.”

The second successive innings collapse was jarring for Gillespie with players failing to stake a claim for a continued place in the side.

Skipper Ben Brown top scored with 46 but wickets tumbled regularly.

Gillespie said: “There was a great opportunity today for someone to stand up and put a big score on the board and unfortunately no one was able to do that.

“Browny came in and played some shots but at the end of the day we can’t keep leaving it up to our captain to come in and try and save the day.

“He’s done a lot of really good work this year. He’s been batting beautifully, keeping very well and captaining well – we just need some other guys to step up and do the job as well.

“Ollie Robinson got his third ten-wicket haul in first class cricket but we need more lads putting their hand up that’s for sure.”