Head Coach Nelson Jardim has backed his side to "bounce back" after a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.
Rovers took the lead in the 41st minute when Connor Jennings latched onto a hopeful ball over the top, prodding it past Nick Townsend to open the scoring.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Kieron Morris scored from close range after a superb initial save from Townsend.
However, County gave themselves hope with a late header from Kyle Hudlin in the 84th minute, but despite a late push, they couldn’t find an equaliser.
County’s efforts were further thwarted when Kyle Jameson was sent off in injury time, picking up a second yellow card, as the Exiles slipped to 15th in the League Two table – five points off the play-off places.
“We started very well and scored an offside goal,” said Jardim.
“After that we had a slight reaction from Tranmere but nothing that created many problems for us and that goal came against the tide.
“I think it was unfair losing at half-time but we reacted and their second goal complicated things for us. We did score a goal and then we had a final push with Hudlin, Courtney Baker-Richardson and Bobby Kamwa.
“I felt a draw would have been a fair result so we are disappointed, but we have to look forward and to the next game.
“The goals we conceded today were disappointing, I’m always disappointed after every goal we concede. We have to bounce back.”
The Exiles return to action on Tuesday night with a trip to League One Reading in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
A win would secure County’s spot in the knockout stages before their return to league action with a crunch match against Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
“We have been in this position a couple of times and shown character and resilience to respond, and that's what we will do,” added Jardim.
“We have tough games coming up but we have shown in this squad enough quality and character to bounce back.”
