NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth admitted his side were beaten by the better team at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.

The champions are still on 97 points after going down to a shock 4-0 defeat on the south coast.

Danny Rose hit a post in the first half but the play-off chasing Hawks ran away with the match after the break, leaving Holdsworth a disappointed man.

“I didn't see that coming. We got beaten by a better team,” said the County boss.

“They're challenging for the play-offs and they looked like they had a lot to play for. We looked like a team who can't wait for the season to end.

“We under-achieved but I'm going to manage my disappointment because it hasn't happened very often this season.

“We'll look at the video and learn something from the match,” he added.

“There were a lot of performances under par but it's not the end of the world.”

Holdsworth now has to pick his players up ahead of next Saturday's visit of Dover Athletic when the Blue Square South trophy will be presented at Spytty Park.

“I want to get to 100 points and I'm going to make sure we get that,” he said.

“Chris Todd was ill and Gary Warren is suffering with his groin strain.

“We're carrying a few knocks but we want to get the job done next week. It's going to be a fantastic occasion for this football club and I hope there'll be as many people there as possible.”

As for the potential return of Sam Foley from his broken leg, the manager is more cautious than the player, who believs he could be fit for Saturday.

“Sam gets over-excited,” said Holdsworth. “It's possible, if there's no risk he could be back and that would be a boost.”