Graham Coughlan: Newport County were weary in loss to Sutton

The Exiles’ five-game unbeaten streak was ended by the promotion-chasing U’s, who hit the front with a ninth-minute Coby Rowe strike from a corner.

County wasted a glut of opportunities before Alistair Smith’s fine finish doubled Sutton’s advantage just past the hour.

The ninth-placed side comfortably saw out the rest of the game to stay two points off the play-offs and the Exiles drop to 18th in the table but still have a healthy advantage over the strugglers in the relegation scrap.

“We lost the midfield battle, that was a key area for the Sutton victory. They were worthy of their victory and that’s why they are where they are in the division,” said Coughlan.

“Fair play to them, they had three shots on target and scored twice. They are team that are clinical, confident and on the up.

“A lot of credit must go to Sutton but I couldn’t ask anymore of my players, they have run through brick walls for me since I’ve come through the front door.

“We had the chances - we hit the post, their goalkeeper pulled off a great save and we had a one-on-one.

"They are defining moments and we need them to go in our favour if we are to kick on.

"We had more than enough chances to score but you could see the lads were running on empty, it was a bridge too far for us.”

County headed into the game after a dramatic win at Hartlepool on Tuesday while Sutton enjoyed a full week of preparation.

“We were on our last legs, we were tired, lethargic and lacked energy. We’ve just got to dust ourselves down, rest and go again,” said Coughlan.

“I have to hold my hands up, I probably didn’t make enough changes. I have asked a lot of the same five or six people to keep playing.

“You could see the energy levels, we were more on the back foot than the front foot and didn’t anticipate.

“I don’t want them to wallow, I want them to think of the recent positives and learn from Sutton and how they went about their business.”

County return to action at Salford next weekend.