Newport County manager Christian Fuchs admitted his side were left frustrated after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town but insists the battle for survival remains firmly in their hands.
George Miller’s late strike proved decisive, with County punished for a lapse in defensive structure despite creating a number of chances and striking the woodwork.
Fuchs felt his side deserved more from the contest.
“We’re obviously disappointed,” he said. “I think we definitely deserved more from the game than what we got in the end.
“It was one mistake where we were not really in our shape and defensive structure, and that was costly, especially at a very bad moment towards the end of the game.”
Despite the result, the County boss took positives from his team’s attacking intent and belief.
“What I’ve seen from my team is that they’re very much alive, creating a lot of chances,” he added. “It’s just the ruthlessness in front of goal.
“I’m very proud of how they performed. The only thing we need to work on – and it’s been the story of the season – is putting our chances away.”
With results elsewhere tightening the battle at the bottom, Newport County sit just outside the relegation zone on 37 points alongside Tranmere Rovers, with Crawley Town on 38 and both Barrow and Harrogate Town on 36.
Fuchs dismissed any suggestion that pressure is affecting his players.
“I wouldn’t say nerves played a part,” he said. “We got into many really good areas, played forward, were on the front foot and created chances.
“There were also a couple of blocks from them. I don’t want to take anything away from my team because they left everything out there.”
Attention now turns to a crucial final home fixture against Oldham Athletic next Saturday, before a potentially decisive trip to Barrow on the final day.
“Nothing has changed,” Fuchs said. “It’s still in our hands.
“Oldham at home will be a really tough challenge, but that’s the game we focus on now.”
Fuchs also called on supporters to continue their backing at Rodney Parade.
“They’ve been incredible this season,” he said. “I hope they come in numbers again for the final home game. The support has been great.”
With the season entering its final week, the Newport County manager emphasised the importance of mental sharpness.
“It’s been a long season and now it goes down to the wire,” he said. “We need fresh minds and we’ll try to make sure the players are ready.”
Newport County now face a defining week, knowing their League Two status will be decided across the final two matches.
