STRAIGHT-talking Marvin Bartley spoke of his disappointment, then insisted Cherries cannot afford to dwell on yesterday's defeat at Port Vale.

Bartley, playing on the right of midfield, produced an energetic display but could not stop the Dorset side from falling to a 3-1 loss at Vale Park.

And the former non-league star believes the players have to dig deep as Cherries bid to overcome their points deficit.

"We have to turn things round sooner rather than later," he told the Daily Echo.

"We've got to get ourselves out of this mess - simple as that."

Bartley had fond memories of Vale Park going into yesterday's League Two clash, having starred at the Staffordshire stadium on his full league debut last season.

But any hopes of a repeat of that 3-1 victory disappeared when Cherries conceded two goals in as many second-half minutes.

It was a killer blow for the men from Dean Court, who had just got back on level terms through a Craig Lindfield equaliser.

"We clawed our way back into the game and conceded what felt like almost instantly - it was a real kick in the teeth," said Bartley.

"Then they got a third goal and it was really uphill from there.

"We looked the better side when we equalised and I thought we'd push on for a win and at worst get a draw.

"But then it was 2-1 and 3-1, and it was heartbreaking to be honest.

"What can we do? We've just got to pick ourselves up again and go again."

Bartley felt the wrath of a vociferous home support during yesterday's first half, when two surges into the Vale penalty area resulted in the midfielder going to ground.

The first was a slip but Bartley felt he was pushed in the second incident, although the Vale fans made their feelings known.

"I see it as if their fans are on my back, I'm obviously doing well," said Bartley.

"I enjoy it and it doesn't really affect me."