Christian Fuchs was in a deep, reflective mood after watching his charges slip to a thirteenth League Two reverse of the campaign - and be reduced to 10 for a successive match.
Arguably, this was an opportunity lost for County, the 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood at Rodney Parade leaving them effectively five points from safety in the section basement and facing a long trip to Colchester next Saturday - the start of five matches in 15 days over the Yuletide.
Injuries to borrowed Leicester City striker Nathan Opoku and fellow attacker Gerard Garner not now helping the Port's cause - both players will likely miss crucial battles over Christmas and the New Year.
Admitted Fuchs, "It doesn't look good. The players could be out for some time. Nathan will have a scan on Monday."
Frustrated, Fuchs, continued, "We just do not help ourselves at set pieces. We once again made an error from a free kick.
"Such a shame because we dominated Fleetwood for the first 42 minutes. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and say we must do better.
"We played some nice football in the first half, but we must start benefitting from the chances we create.
The dismissal of Michael Spellman on 56 minutes spiked any real opportunity for Newport to claw a route back into the clash and Fuchs reflected, "It was the second time inside a week we were reduced to 10 men. We have to ask was it necessary for him [Spellman] to go into a tackle?
Addressing Spellman's challenge on Fleetwood's Matty Virtue which earned him the initial yellow card two minutes into first-half added time Fuchs said, "Spellers [Spellman] is, though, not a malicious player."
Asked if he would strengthen the Port squad in a January window which opens in 18 days, the former Austrian international skipper said, "Conversations have started, we will be looking to strengthen in specific areas."
