Manager Michael Flynn lamented Newport County AFC's second-half display against Barrow - insisting his side were their "own worst enemy".
The Exiles missed out on the chance to strengthen their grip on a top-seven finish after Barrow came from behind to condemn Flynn's side to a 2-1 defeat at the Progression Solicitors Stadium.
Scot Bennett put the visitors in front inside the first half as County looked to respond to back-to-back defeats against Port Vale and Leyton Orient.
But goals from Scott Quigley and former Exiles midfielder Jamie Devitt completed a second-half turnaround and sent County, who had Mickey Demetriou dismissed late on, home from Cumbria empty-handed.
And the Exiles boss was left frustrated with his side's performance after the half-time interval.
"We were our own worst enemy in the second half because the goals we conceded were farcical," said Flynn.
"It’s the manner of how it’s happened today because we’ve given them three points.
"I can’t think of a time this season when the opposition have given us three points because we’ve had to work until the last minute of every game to earn our three points - that’s the most frustrating part."
It saw County fail to cut the gap on the automatic places and distance themselves between the teams breathing down their neck.
Eighth-placed Exeter City fell to defeat against Port Vale, while Leyton Orient moved within touching distance of the top seven after sealing their fourth successive victory over Mansfield Town.
"We haven’t really lost any ground but we’ve allowed the teams behind us to close the gap on us," added Flynn.
"It’s a missed opportunity for us to close the gap on the top three because a few results went for us as well.
"But if we don’t take care of our business, it doesn’t matter what anybody else does. We need to realise the fantastic situation that we’ve got ourselves in and where we could be."
County will have little time to dwell on the defeat in Cumbria, with a quick turnaround for Monday's clash against high-flying Bolton Wanderers, who have moved up to third.
It will be the Exiles' first fixture back at Rodney Parade after the temporary move to the Cardiff City Stadium, but they will be without Demetriou against the Trotters.
"I hope they all take this on board now because we’ve got a big, big game on Monday against a flying Bolton team," said Flynn.
"We’ve lost a few players since then and they’ve gained some, so they’re full of confidence and we’re a little bit down at the moment. It’s going to be a tough game and we need to be at our best to get the three points."