Newport County boss James Rowberry said his side were “bitterly disappointed” not to take all three points against Carlisle United.

The home manager felt United’s fightback came as his own side came away from their game plan in the second half.

Rowberry, though, felt it was still “a point gained” against Paul Simpson’s side after a recent run of defeats.

“There’s a disappointed changing room in there,” said the Rodney Parade boss.

“To concede the goal from a set play – we’re bitterly disappointed.

READ MORE: Paul Simpson hails Carlisle United goal hero Corey Whelan after goal at Newport County

“We probably didn’t impose the game plan in the second half that we did in the first.

“But we’ve got a point. We’ve stopped those three league losses and we can and will build on this.”

Newport’s opener, from Nathan Moriah-Welsh, was only the second time this season that the Exiles had scored the first goal in a game.

But Corey Whelan’s 76th-minute strike earned Carlisle a point.

“It’s always difficult when we had the runs of defeats we had, you get a little bit nervous and it happens,” said Rowberry of their second-half decline.

“But we stuck at it and kept going and came away with a point.

“In the first half we recognised when to play behind and when to build. Second half we went to penetrate too early. We had to recognise when to take the ball and play, and create chances off the back of it.

“But we’ve shown how resilient the group is. I’ve learned a lot about the players, the club and supporters, and now we have to move forward.

“I’m pleased with the point. I wanted the three. On our first half display I think we deserved it and we just had to stick to our game plan in the second half.

“It’s a point gained and we have to look at it in a positive way.”