Head coach Nelson Jardim was left frustrated following Newport County’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Grimsby Town.
A deflected second-half free-kick from George McEachran proved to be the difference in a match where both sides had their share of opportunities.
"It was a frustrating game, and it’s never a good feeling when we lose. But we've been working on a few things, especially when playing away. Today, we showed that we were much harder to beat,” he said post-match.
“For spells I thought we defended very well. In the first half, if there were goals, they could’ve come from either team. The second half was more even, but it's frustrating, especially conceding from a set piece again.
"Those set plays are costing us points away from home, and today was another example. Their goal took a deflection and there's not a lot you can do with that.
“On the positive side, we were competitive and still in the game. We made changes, and I think the substitutes improved the team.
"We weren’t lucky enough to score, but we have more away games left, and if we keep improving, hopefully, we’ll start winning them.
"Overall, it was a solid game, but we lacked composure on the ball, especially in making that first pass."
He added: "We had opportunities to counter into big spaces but didn’t find the right passes. The few times we did—like when Spellman was one-on-one with the keeper—we just couldn’t capitalise. It’s tough to lose, but at least we know we gave everything.
"We had to adapt to the conditions, and some of the changes we made took that into account. But ultimately, it comes down to how we conceded.”
Bobby Kamwa was a notable absentee from the squad, missing the game due to fatigue.
Jardim provided an update on the winger’s condition.
“Bobby had some fatigue in his hamstring, the same area where he was injured back in November and early December,” he said.
"At this stage of the season, another injury could rule him out for the rest of the campaign.
“We felt it was best to rest him today and re-asses him ahead of the final run-in. There are still eight games left, and we need as many players fit as possible.”
