Trailing 2-0 at the break, Alex Lawless’ first Yeovil goal looked to have sparked a comeback, before two goals in quick succession left the visitors trailing 4-1. 

Francois Zoko’s strike made it 4-2 with a quarter of an hour remaining but the Mariners held on to stop the Green and Whites confirming mathematical safety. 

Having impressively beaten Crewe Alexandra 3-0 at Huish Park just five days previously, Way was disappointed with the display. 

Speaking to YTFC’s official YouTube channel, he said: “I explained all week how important this game was.

“I have to apologise to the supporters because some of the defending was abysmal and we all have to take responsibility as a group and go into the next game, but there has to be change.”

The result leaves Yeovil six points clear of the drop with two games remaining, whilst the Glovers goal difference remains the best in the bottom six. 

Following on from Easter Monday’s impressive performance, Way was frustrated with the display in Lincolnshire.

“Again, we’re talking about players learning but I’m sick of it now. Players have to understand that this was a really, really important game today but I just didn’t see that in body language, commitment or desire in defence. 

“We scored two goals and have had that problem of not scoring so we came out in the second half, changed the system to 3-4-3 and got back into the game. 

“It looked like we were playing a lot more positively and then we go and make the mistakes we did for the third goal and that’s embarrassing. There wasn’t a real commitment or desire like there was on Monday and that’s bitterly disappointing.”

With Town’s future still not mathematically confirmed, the Yeovil boss feels players have to show why they should be retained.

“I was at the club five years and only got one-year contracts every year.

“If that’s their opportunity to show the board and perhaps whether all of us are right or wrong by tying up these contracts, they have to show that they want to fight for the football club. 

“They have got to show more commitment than that. Supporters are travelling, paying good money to come and watch and support the football club.

“I have to make sure we sit down and discuss as to why that was so poor.”

The Somerset outfit host play-off hopefuls Stevenage at Huish Park next Saturday with another opportunity to get over the line, with the Town boss looking for a response.