NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn admitted his side were “not good enough” as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at Swindon Town.

The Exiles were behind in the second minute when Michael Doughty fired past Joe Day and Swindon had numerous chances to extend their lead.

Padraig Amond scored his 11th goal of the season just after the break to put his side on course for a point at the County Ground before Kaiyne Woolery struck the winner for the hosts eight minutes from time.

“We just didn’t start at all,” said Flynn. “To concede a goal after 64 seconds is poor. It’s inexcusable, really.

“The amount of time he had to bring the ball down, turn and shoot without a challenge on him is not good enough.

“Then Josh Sheehan missed a sitter but we could easily have conceded three and we had to change it.”

Flynn sent on striker Antoine Semenyo for David Pipe as he switched to a 4-3-3 formation after just 26 minutes.

“I wanted to change the way we were playing and we looked a lot better after that but I shouldn’t have to do that,” said the Exiles boss.

“It wasn’t good enough in the first half. I got a reaction in the second half but that doesn’t mean anything when you go and lose the game.”

County looked the more likely to win the match as they played with the wind behind their backs in the second half but they didn’t make the most of their superiority and were punished by Woolery late on.

“The conditions were against us in the first half and they helped us in the second half but we did improve a lot,” added the manager.

“We should have killed the game off, but that’s why we’re where we are and not at the top. We’re not ruthless at all.

“We let in sloppy goals and we don’t hit the target or make the goalkeeper make a save when we’ve got opportunities.

“The amount of chances we put over the bar or slice wide is not good enough.”

County dropped to sixth in the League Two table and now switch their attention to Tuesday’s FA Cup replay against Wrexham at Rodney Parade.

“I want a reaction from the players now because, even though we were the better team in the second half, we weren’t good enough,” said Flynn.

“We weren’t anywhere near where we should be, or where we can be, so I want a reaction.”

Andrew Crofts and Mark O’Brien were both forced off with hamstring injuries and are unlikely to feature on Tuesday, when the winners will earn the right to host former Premier League champions Leicester City in round three.