Michael Flynn lamented "poor" defending in the final 10 minutes of Newport County AFC’s 2-1 defeat at Leyton Orient.
The O’s had the better of the chances in the first 45 with only an impressive string of saves from Tom King keeping the score level.
The Exiles improved after the break with Jamille Matt almost profiting from a Robbie Willmott corner before the hosts took control in the final stages.
Marvin Ekpiteta, brother of County defender Marvel, escaped his marker at the back post to head in the opener, although the final touch may have come off full-back Ryan Haynes on 81 minutes. Ruel Sotiriou then doubled the advantage eight minutes later, tapping in Josh Wright’s cross.
Matt pulled one back with a fine header from a Haynes free kick but it proved too little too late.
After coming through a disappointing first half, Flynn was frustrated with the marking that “killed the game” for County.
“I thought Leyton Orient were better than us today, that was mostly the first half,” said NCAFC Manager Michael Flynn.
“Then we shot ourselves in the foot in the last 10 minutes.
“We were nowhere near good enough first half, didn’t get tight enough.
“Leyton Orient passed it around us quite easily.
“Then we get ourselves into the game. Had a definite penalty and Jamille misses a good chance so we should be ahead because we were a lot better second half.
“And then we concede two really poor goals. Concede poor goals away from home and you normally come away with no points.”
It was a far from ideal start to the day for the Exiles as they lost Joss Labadie and Ryan Inniss before kick-off.
“Joss didn’t feel well so we had to pull him out, we couldn’t risk him,” Flynn explained.
“Ryan Inniss has got a calf problem so it’s not an ideal start.
“It affected things, like markers, but it’s no excuse because we dealt with their corners quite well all game and then we switch off.”