NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney insists it’s far too early in the season to worry about his side becoming embroiled in a relegation battle.

County were beaten 2-0 at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday – their third defeat in seven games – to drop to 22nd in League Two.

That is the position that the Exiles finished in last season and, though they have a game in hand, Feeney’s men are only above the drop zone on goal difference.

Basement boys Cambridge United come to Rodney Parade next and the manager admitted that is a “massive game” for his side.

But he says he’s not worried about their fate despite their disappointing start to the campaign in terms of points on the board.

“I certainly think with the performance we put in we’ll be OK this year,” said the Exiles boss.

“I’ve no doubts whatsoever – there’s enough in that changing room.

“We’ve a game in hand still but I have no doubts whatsoever.

“I’d be worried if the performances were poor but the performances aren’t poor.”

Asked about the visit of Cambridge, who have just three points from their opening eight matches, Feeney added: “It’s a massive game. We’ll pick the boys up and go again.

“There’s a long way to go in the league.

“There’s a big improvement on last year and we’ll be fine.”

But Feeney was not afraid to criticise his defenders after the defeat at the Keepmoat Stadium.

James Coppinger scored the hosts’ first with a fine free-kick after Joss Labadie was adjudged to have fouled the midfielder on the edge of the box on 17 minutes.

And it was game over on 59 minutes when Darren Jones’ attempted clearance was charged down by Tommy Rowe and he set up Andy Williams to curl in the second.

“They’re an honest bunch but they are mistakes,” said Feeney.

“Defenders have got to love defending.

“People can say what they want – you can work all week on things but they switch off [during matches].

“Retaining information is the big thing and we’ve got to cut out the mistakes from our game.

“All we can do is look at the positives of the game, reflect on it and move forward to next week.”