Michael Flynn has challenged his players to improve their decision making in the final 10 games of the season after a shortage of creativity saw them come up short against Leyton Orient.
The Exiles dominated possession but struggled to make full use of the ball at the Cardiff City Stadium, finishing the game with just one shot on target although Matty Dolan's free-kick almost nestled the back of the net after a flick-on from O's defender Jamie Turley.
County did the majority of their best work before the break with Nicky Maynard forcing Lawrence Vigouroux into a save at his near post. Scot Bennett blazed over following a corner and Aaron Lewis fired in two dangerous crosses but County couldn’t take advantage.
Scott Wilkinson then struck the winner for the O’s on the hour-mark and Flynn was left disappointed with how his side fared in the final third.
"We were nowhere near second half going forward," said Flynn.
"We played some really good stuff in the first half but in the second half our decision-making was non-existent.
"We dominated the ball, it was just frustrating that we didn’t do enough with it in the second half. The decision-making in the final third was mind-blowing.
"I feel sorry for the forwards. It’s like they know they are only going to get one chance in the game and there is so much pressure on them to take that chance.
"We have so much of the ball, we get in so many good areas and the amount of things that get blocked or we cross over-hit or under-hit is criminal.”
While Flynn accepted the blame he demanded that his players also took their share of responsibility on a frustrating afternoon against the O's, who earned their first double of the season over the Exiles.
And the County boss wants his side, who have slipped to seventh in the table, to be more ruthless in the attacking department in the Sky Bet League Two run-in.
"It always comes down to me and quite rightly so," Flynn added.
"I get the accolades when things are going well and when things are going bad it’s all my fault, that’s fine, but they’ve got to take responsibility.
"Once the players are in control of the ball it’s down to them and their individual decisions that they make whether they cross into the ‘keeper’s hands or try to give one of their teammates a cross they can attack.
"We’ve got 10 games to go and we’ve got to make sure that we finish positively.
"They’ve got a little break now and we’ve got to make sure we’re working hard.
"It’s going to be a very busy April so we’ve got to make sure we’re on our best form.”