The gap between the clubs was cut to two points, with the relegation zone a further two points back.
Ardley criticised his side's display, but remains confident his side can avoid the drop into non-league football.
He said: "I went over to apologise to the fans. We were poor. It wasn't about a system or the personnel but we conceded sloppy goals.
"It was 1-0 and then quickly 2-0 and it was simple mistakes. At 3-0 the game was really over and every time a ball went over the top they were one-on-one which is unlike us.
"But it was just blip as the boys have been magnificent and we know we can we bounce back and we have got to stay positive.
"There are seven games to go and it is on a knife edge but we will pick ourselves up."
