NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh says fans who booed the team after Tuesday night’s home defeat to AFC Wimbledon are not helping him or the players.

The Exiles saw a 1-0 lead, handed to them by Ross Worner’s own goal, turn into a 2-1 defeat as Dons substitutes Charlie Sheringham and Kevin Sainte-Luce grabbed all three points for the visitors in the final six minutes.

And, following Saturday’s 1-0 home reverse to Cheltenham Town, it was too much for some disgruntled fans who made their displeasure known after the final whistle.

Edinburgh was even involved in a heated discussion with a handful of supporters who vented their frustrations from the Hazell Stand as he retreated to the dressing room.

And, while he accepts that fans are entitled to express their opinions, the Exiles boss appealed for everyone to unite in the face of adversity.

“They’re entitled to boo. If they want to boo that’s their decision,” said Edinburgh. “They’ve paid their money and they’re entitled to do what they want.

“It’s disappointing. You could call it a bad run but it’s a blip and when things aren’t going right you need to stick together.

“But people are entitled to their opinions. The game is all about opinions.”

County’s League Two promotion push has hit the buffers since Christmas with six postponements at Rodney Parade leading to an unprecedented run of away games.

But Edinburgh’s men have now lost three of their last four at home and taken just five points from the last 27 available since a 1-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers on Boxing Day.

“We’re finding that it’s harsh at this level,” said Edinburgh. “We’re not entitled to win any game and if we ever think that – myself or the players, the fans or anyone connected with the football club – then they’re completely and utterly wrong.

“We’ve stepped up a level and had a fantastic start but we’re finding it quite tough at the moment.

“Every game at this level is a tough one,” he added. “We’ve got to make sure there isn’t complacency.

“Complacency is a disease. We’re in a better league and the opposition are better.

“But we’ll never give up. We want to win every game but first and foremost we want to get to putting in good performances and if we do that we’ll get the results.”