Newport County manager's reaction to Carlisle United defeat

The visiting manager said his side “self-imploded” at the end of the first half after a positive start to the game.

The 2-0 defeat left the Exiles winless in six in League Two.

And Coughlan felt Carlisle’s opportunism was an example of what his side needs to try and emulate.

“I thought the lads were excellent for 46 minutes – I thought our game plan, set-up, structure, everything about us was really, really positive and really good for the first 46 minutes,” said Coughlan.

“Then we go and press the self-implode button. We can’t legislate for individual errors.

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“The players have been working really, really hard, and that will never be in question.

“A couple of opportunities fell our way, we didn’t take them, and good teams don’t need a second chance to take opportunities.

“The opportunity that fell to Carlisle [for Kristian Dennis’s opening goal] was their first of the game, and they stick it in the back of the net.

“They’ve had two or three chances today, they’ve put two in the back of the net and the other hit the post.

“That’s the level we need to get to. When we get chances we need to be taking them.

“When you make mistakes, good teams punish you.”

John-Kymani Gordon hit Carlisle’s second to wrap up victory, Newport having failed to make the most of some first-half pressure, before Aaron Lewis hit the post for the visitors late on.

It leaves the south Wales side seven points above the relegation zone in 18th.

“We stick together, get down to work on Monday, and try and correct the mindset and mentality,” added Coughlan to the BBC.

“That’s probably the hardest thing since I’ve come in. I want the lads to be winners, to be successful, I want them to be coming home every night seeing smiles on their faces.

“I want to be at the other end of the table. I want them to believe and I want them to want it as much as I do.”