Manager Michael Flynn believes Newport County AFC's lack of cutting edge proved costly in their defeat against Tranmere Rovers.
The Exiles were condemned to a 1-0 defeat on a frustrating evening at Prenton Park, with Liam Feeney's goal after seven minutes proving to be the difference between the two sides.
County felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the dying stages when Mickey Demetriou's long ball forward into the penalty area struck the arm of defender Calum MacDonald.
Referee Ben Toner instead awarded a free-kick to the home side against Ryan Taylor, although Flynn says his side shouldn't have had to rely on the decision and should've been more ruthless in the attacking department.
"I don't want to go on about the referee because there are parts we need to take responsibility for," said Flynn.
"We didn’t lose the game because of that [penalty decision]. We lost because of our lack of quality in the final third with cross and shot decision-making and being too cavalier at the start of the game, which they were told not to.
"They worked their socks off and their effort was as good as it could be but we need a little bit more if we want to do anything."
County have slipped down two places to eighth in the Sky Bet League Two table but remain in the hunt for a top-seven finish, with a single point separting them and Salford City, who occupy the final play-off spot.
The Exiles also have a game in hand over Morecambe and Bolton Wanderers, who sit fourth and fifth respectively, and will be aiming to bounce back from the defeat against Rovers when they travel to Colchester United on Saturday.
"At the minute it's hard to deal with because there are games that we should have won but have lost," added Flynn.
"It's frustrating. We want to go and win a couple of games in a row and the longer we leave it, the harder it's going to get."