Manager Mike Flynn was left frustrated by his Newport County team after their 3-0 defeat against Mansfield Town at Field Mill.
“We made it too easy for Mansfield,” said Flynn, whose team were on top during the first half only to go in at half-time a goal down.
“We played quite well in the first half,” said Flynn. “There was a 20 minute spell in the second when we lost the battle and were second best all over the pitch.
“It was too easy for Mansfield to score. That is the frustrating thing.
“They were stronger than us. You have to give the opposition credit sometimes. But we have to react now.”
The next test for Newport is against Crewe at Rodney Parade next Saturday.
Tyler Walker, the son of former Nottingham Forest and England defender Des, scored first for Mansfield after 12 minutes. Goalkeeper Joe Day made an outstanding double save, but Walker was able to force the ball home.
Craig Davies hit a post before Walker’s cross was headed in by Otis Khan from close range after 56 minutes to make it 2-0.
Khan clinched the home win when he scored from 25 yards just after the hour.
The contest featured nine minutes of added on time due to an injury to the assistant referee.
Mansfield Town: Logan, White, Preston, Pearce (capt), Hamilton, MacDonald, Bishop, Khan (Butcher 75), Benning, Walker (Mellis 90+4), Davies (Graham 90). Subs not used: Olejnik, Sweeney, Sterling-James, Gibbens.
Newport County: Day, Hornby-Forbes, Franks, Bennett, Demetriou, Butler, Marsh-Brown (Cooper 72), Crofts, capt (Sheehan 59), Dolan, Amond, Matt (Semenyo 59). Subs nopt used: Pipe, M Harris, Bakinson, Townsend.
Referee: Paul Marsden
Attendance: 4,423.
