Straight-talking Port boss David Hughes has vowed to find answers in a bid to unravel the spectre of 10 Rodney Parade defeats in all competitions under his watch.
The cultured Welshman, who scrutinises all aspects of Newport's performances in each re-run match footage prior to his regular two-hour walks along the beach, said moments after the 1-0 home Vertu Trophy reverse to League One Exeter City, "I really don't think the lads can give any more than they do for the club badge;
"Tonight against what I would call a benchmark club that Newport can look to aspire to, we matched them in the first half. It was massively frustrating to lose and be going out of the Vertu Trophy, but we have exited to a better side.
"We concede too many goals to unforced errors, I think about this while going for my long early morning walks after watching play back our games.
"As staff we talk about the situation and try and come up with the answers that can change the current situation."
Hughes would, however, know that beating the Grecians would have seen County chalking up a fifth win in seven matches.
An exit from the Vertu Trophy now means the Port can concentrate and correct their position at the bottom of League Two. Positive displays at fellow strugglers Shrewsbury and Oldham over the next two weekends must be the target before looking to trump Barrow at Rodney Parade two weeks Saturday - thus giving County a first league maximum on their territory for then over eight months.
Hughes does have injury concerns over Cameron Antwi [sore knee], Tom Davies, who pulled up with a niggle before Exeter, Habeeb Ogunneye has soreness and Joe Thomas a bruised rib. Influential schemer Kai Whitmore is also unavailable for the trip to Shropshire on Saturday - the Welshman suspended for picking up five yellow cards.
But midfielder Michael Spellman and centre back James Clarke are available to face the Shrews - and Hughes is grateful for that, reflecting, "You can see how stretched we are with injuries.
"But when I look at the likes of a youngster Harri Pugh taking his first steps in first-team football from our academy, it fills me with hope. I told him, you must grab experience from our matches like this [Exeter] because it will shape your career in football going forward."
Hughes, who possesses one of the finest coaching minds in British soccer, believes County will move out of League Two peril shortly.
A scan at the table basement says matters are tight - only five points separate 19th place Crawley and 24th County.
