Danny Schofield felt Rovers were second best throughout in the disappointing Boxing Day defeat at Tranmere Rovers.
Barring a rapid start to the match, Rovers struggled to impose themselves on the game and were undone by their hosts at Prenton Park, much to the frustration of the head coach.
Schofield on how the game played out:
“It was very disappointing and we have a very disappointed dressing room. I don’t think we performed to the levels that we’re capable of and that resulted in a loss.
“I don’t think we deserved a result. For all the positive things we had at Newport, I don’t think we established them in this game.
“I thought we started the game really well and created a really good chance from the off. Apart from that, I thought we were second best.
“The timing we conceded the first goal was poor and we need to manage the game a lot better in those moments. To go in at 1-0 down was very disappointing.
“We tried to lift the lads and the lads tried to lift themselves but in the second half it became difficult for us to break down their structure. They were very well-organised defensively and we didn’t have the answers to that.”
On changes not impacting the game:
“I think you’re always trying to make the changes, especially when losing the game, to have an impact and I don’t think we got that.”
On a lack of consistency:
“You’re always aiming for consistency with performances so you try to be consistent with the training schedule, what we’re implementing in training, the messages we’re giving to the players and trying to always raise standards and be as professional as possible in every moment.
“Sometimes it can be very difficult when you see those things happening on the training pitch, you’re having performances that are really positive and results are good but then you’re dropping off it.
“We’ll have to reflect on this result, this game and analyse it the way we always do and move on quickly to Rochdale.”
On Jon Taylor’s injury:
“The way he came off, I don’t know how serious it is but it looks like he was in pain. He hobbled off with help from the physio.
“It’s very disappointing for Jon because he’s waited patiently for his opportunity. To come off early was frustrating for him.
“He’s on crutches and he has his leg in a brace so we’ll get it assessed in the next couple of days.”