Manager Michael Flynn is fed up that his Newport County team are conceding ‘sloppy’ goals.

The Exiles lost 2-0 at Colchester United and are now 11th in League Two, seven points away from the play-off positions.

Newport started well, but faded after Colchester scored. Maybe they were thinking ahead to the FA Cup fourth round replace against Spurs at Wembley Stadium next Wednesday.

Flynn told BBC Radio Wales: “It wasn’t good enough from us from as soon as they scored.

“Before that first goal we were the better team, but after the goal, nowhere near good enough.

“We have given away six sloppy goals including the one against Tottenham.

“We played some good football, but the final ball, run or pass was not good enough and that is frustrating.”

County suffered a second successive defeat since their 1-1 FA Cup fourth round draw against Tottenham.

Ben Stevenson scored for Colchester just before the hour and Tom Eastman made it 2-0.

Colchester moved above Newport leapfrog County into 10th place in League Two.

County simply have to win against Forest Green Rovers at home next Saturday if they are to maintain their interest in the hunt for a play-off place.

Colchester United: Walker, Eastman, Kent, Prosser, Jackson, Comley, Murray, Vincent-Young, Guthrie, Senior, Mandron. Subs not used: Lapslie, Wright, Szmodics, Stevenson, Mandeville, Ogedi-Uzokwe, Gilmartin

Newport County: Day, Reid, Brien, Demetriou, Butler, Tozer, Labadie, Dolan, Willmott, Amond, Nouble. Subs not used: Pipe, McCoulsky, Bennett, Osadebe, Bittner, Sheehan, Hayes.

Referee: Gavin Ward

Attendance: 2,874