Hughes laments missed chances despite Blues' "dominance" at Newport
Mark Hughes admitted Carlisle United’s “dominance” counted for nothing as they came away empty-handed at Newport County.
The Blues had large spells on the front foot and missed a number of good chances at Rodney Parade.
The hosts then picked United off with their only shot on target as sub Kyle Hudlin earned them a 1-0 win.
Carlisle’s seventh defeat in eight league games saw their gap to survival increase to six points on another highly frustrating night in Hughes’ second game in charge.
The head coach said: “We’ve just got to take one of the chances that we're creating.
“We're getting good moments, we're getting in good areas and on occasions it just takes somebody to get a good connection and get a good strike towards the goal and see what happens.
“It can fly in off somebody's backside and we're off and running, but the longer it takes or the longer that it doesn't happen, then that encourages the opposition.
“We were the dominant side in both halves and they get a breakaway, which is their threat. It's what enabled them to go on the run they've had.
“But up to that, we were very comfortable in the game. I always felt there was just one chance waiting for us to take, but unfortunately we didn't do it.”
Kadeem Harris and Terell Thomas at the final whistle in south Wales (Image: Richard Parkes)
Elliot Embleton and Stephen Wearne failed to take Carlisle’s best chances before Hudlin went through for Newport’s winner in the 76th minute.
United’s fourth straight defeat coupled with Tranmere Rovers’ 0-0 draw with Fleetwood Town extended the Blues’ survival gap by a further point. Newport, meanwhile, picked up a fourth consecutive win.
Hughes acknowledged the psychological aspect of Carlisle’s failings in front of goal.
He added: “Sometimes, when you're in these situations, you want to make the best of the situations that you create and then sometimes you try and be too clever or too careful, just to make sure.
“Really, it just needs someone just to grab the moment and seize the moment and grab the glory and see where it takes you.
“We've got good players at the top end of the pitch that just need a little bit more confidence just to maybe drop their shoulder and try their luck and see what happens.
“Overall, it was a decent enough performance. I'm upset for the guys because they deserved more out of the game.”
Hughes maintained that should United repeat their general performance levels from the game at Rodney Parade, they will eventually be able to gain the results they need.
He added: “We’ve looked at all the stats of the game and we've beaten Newport hands down in almost every metric you'd care to mention, apart from the one that counts, which is putting the ball in the back of the net.
“So, they'll be pleased enough. Obviously, they're on a great run but they will know that they came very close to getting beaten.”
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