NEWPORT County AFC striker Conor Washington has backed teammate Tom Naylor and admitted his miss against Morecambe was just as important as the defender’s two own goals.

Naylor twice beat his own goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley and conceded a penalty as the Shrimps came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, on loan from Derby County, apologised to Exiles fans on Twitter after the game but Washington admits that Naylor shouldn’t take all the blame for the defeat.

“Tom is gutted but it was just one of those days,” said Washington. “We all feel for him. He’s been immense since he’s been here.

“Obviously the goals we conceded were poor and the overall feeling is disappointment because we played so well in the first half.

“But there wasn’t enough urgency after the break, players didn’t show for the ball and we gave it away too easily.

“And I should have scored at 1-0,” he added. “That could have changed the game.

“As it was running through the ball got stuck under my feet but I should be scoring them really. Hopefully the chances will keep coming and I’ll take the next one.”

Despite the defeat the 21-year-old was delighted to get his first start in the Football League in place of the injured Christian Jolley.

“To start any game is really great for me and I was delighted to play,” he said.

“It’s definitely a proud moment for me. I feel really sharp from training and all the cameo roles I’ve had coming off the bench.

“You’ve got to feel for Jolls because he’s been unbelievable and it’s really hard playing through and injury.

“But I thought I did well first half and hopefully the gaffer will stick with me for next week.”

And Washington says there is no cause for alarm despite County’s run of three draws and a defeat in League Two ahead of a tough trip to Exeter City.

“Personally I’m not concerned because we created a lot of chances and probably deserved to win a couple of those games,” said the man signed from St Ives Town last season.

“I don’t think we’ve got any reason to panic. We’ve been playing well but we just gave away some sloppy goals.

“It puts a bit of extra pressure on the Exeter game and we’ve got to deal with that because we’ve got ourselves into this situation.

“But we’ll all stick together, work hard in training and hopefully get the result at Exeter.”