NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh blamed the state of the Rodney Parade pitch for his side's failure to beat Fleetwood Town.

Exiles striker Rene Howe saw a golden opportunity go begging from close range in the second half after the ball bobbled up off the poor surface and the game ended 0-0.

"We've done enough to win the game but unfortunately the pitch has cost us the game, it's as simple as that," said Edinburgh.

"Anyone who has sat here, goes away and doesn't realise that then they're more foolish than I think. We had two chances tonight that the pitch has cost us.

"I thought we were worthy of the win, against another one of the top six sides that have come here and haven't taken a win away from Rodney Parade."