NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Westley admits he still has work to do in the transfer market after Saturday’s 3-1 reverse at Stevenage.

Westley has signed six players since the window opened on January 1 and they all featured at the Lamex Stadium.

But the new arrivals couldn’t prevent County going down to an eighth successive defeat in League Two to remain five points from safety.

Westley was pleased with the fight his side showed after Matt Godden had completed his hat-trick on 62 minutes.

They were rewarded with a late consolation goal from substitute Dan Butler but the manager knows that he needs to strengthen the squad further in the coming weeks to boost the club’s survival hopes.

“The window has just opened and we’ve brought six lads in,” said the Exiles boss.

“We need another good week in the market. There’s still work to do to get a squad together that can win games consistently.

“It’s needed. Over a long period of time the club hasn’t been winning games.

“We’ve been in a rut ourselves but that rut is deep and it’s long-term.

“To dig yourself out of it you need to be really dramatic in what you’re doing.

“We’re being dramatic and we’re turning a lot of things over to bring a lot of new qualities into the club.

“And we’re confident that with those additions we can turn what we’ve got into a winning side.”

David Pipe, Sid Nelson and Mark O’Brien all started in a new-look back four and Aaron Williams was partnered by Jaanai Gordon up front, while Craig Reid came off the bench late on.

Westley is now likely to focus on strengthening his midfield but he may still add to his attacking options.

“Today we scored once, at Wycombe we scored once. Is that enough to win football matches consistently? Probably not so we’re still looking at options in the forward areas,” he said.

“We’re looking at options throughout midfield, which is probably where we’re lightest in terms of depth.

“And at times when someone is not quite at it and you need to change it up that is an area where our options are more limited.

“So there’s still work to be done to put together a squad that can win games but I’m confident that we will get there.

“Deals take time to get over the line,” he added. “You’ve got agents, players and clubs to talk to and players have got families to talk to.

“There’s lots that has to happen to get a deal over the line, it’s not as simple as just been able to click your fingers.

“But we’re working on lots of things and we’re hoping that we can continue to make additions that will give us a group of players that are capable of winning games consistently.”