Manager Graham Coughlan offered an honest assessment after his side fell to a 2-0 defeat against Wrexham at STōK Cae Ras on Saturday afternoon.
Second-half goals from James Jones and Elliot Lee gave the Red Dragons all three points in North Wales.
“I thought both teams had moments,” began Coughlan.
“They scored two long throws and we had opportunities and chances, but we didn’t take them.
“We knew coming into the game that it would be a tough fixture, but we did create moments. The conditions were tough but they were for both sides, so by no means will we use that as an excuse.
“We had one or two sloppy moments and that’s what cost us. We’ve seen those moments all season and that’s what’s hurting us because we’re always in games.
“Both teams tried to make a decent fist of the conditions and it was tough on both sets of players. I’m just really disappointed that we’ve conceded from two set pieces - two long throws.
“If you don’t take your chances you leave yourself vulnerable and that’s what happened with us today. They were always going to have a spell in the game and put that pressure on us, but ultimately they took their chances.
“We can’t keep conceding from set pieces and especially long throws. It should be our bread and butter and we dealt it with well but not until the first goal.”
The Exiles return to action in quick succession on Tuesday afternoon as they welcome Forest Green Rovers to Rodney Parade, and Coughlan is hoping for a reaction from his team on Boxing Day.
“We’ll have to re-group and go again Tuesday, it’s as simple as that,” added Coughlan.
“We’ll train in the morning and prepare the best we can for Forest Green. It’s the next game, we’ll digest this today and turn all focus now to Boxing Day.
"It’s going to be another tough test and we must be ready.”