SCOT Bennett admitted that Newport County AFC were second best as their poor record at Colchester United continued with a 3-1 defeat.
Tristan Abrahams’ early goal had given the Exiles a dream start as they chased a first win at the U’s since 1972, but former County full-back Ryan Jackson brought the hosts level with a deflected effort. Ben Stevenson and Courtney Senior then completed the turnaround for John McGreal’s side.
Bennett believes the equaliser was the turning point in the game with County struggling to make an impact after Jackson’s goal.
“We started the game right in the first 10 minutes, got ourselves into the game, got the goal and then it all went wrong from there,” he said.
“They got a foothold in the game and started playing well, we sat deeper and deeper and I think it was one when we were trying to get through to half time.
“Their movement up front was really good and that forced us to go back and then they got the goal from a deflection.
“It’s a harsh goal to concede but it gives them a lift, gives the crowd a lift and then we just couldn’t get into the game after that.
“When they all turn up like they have today and play the football they have played today they will give anyone a game and it’s going to be a hard place for a lot of teams to come this season.”
Despite the defeat, only the Club’s second in 25 league games, County remain three points off the top of SkyBet League Two ahead of Saturday’s visit of Salford City to Rodney Parade, where Michael Flynn’s men will be looking to continue their impressive home form.
“If you offered that at the start of the season we would have taken that,” Bennett said.
“I think we’ve got to build on that now, keep pushing forward and picking up points because we want to be at the right end of the table at the end of the season.
“We want to keep that record going. We want to go home and get the three points.
“We need to bounce back, we always do normally so we’ll work hard and go again Saturday.”