Newport RFC hang perilously close to the National League Three Midlands drop zone after a dismal 12-3 home defeat against Longton.
But the result was not the only headache for the lacklustre Fishes on an afternoon when little went right.
Youngster Adam Stephens has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a badly broken ankle.
And new signing John Purdy is likely to be suspended for up to six weeks after receiving a controversial red card for stamping - just four minutes into his Newport debut.
Manager Gareth Davies said he was disappointed for both players.
“Adam has been on the first team fringes all season,” he said.
“If there was a prize for attitude and commitment then it would go to him.
“We tried to reward him with games but unfortunately he’s taken a tackle and broken his ankle. He had an operation on Wednesday and he’s out for the season.
“No rugby player deserves that, but especially not him.
“And then the ref has sent John off for stamping on a head, but in fact John was looking to play the ball and he’s caught him on the shoulder.
“Those close by, myself included, were very surprised that he got a straight red. It was the wrong decision.
“It just sums up our season. Just when things are coming together we are hit with a double whammy.”
Prop Pardy, who came on for the injured Craig Ingram, will now face a routine disciplinary meeting in front of club officials before a meeting with North Mids RFU in Birmingham where his fate will be decided.
Davies said they will support their new signing as much as possible.
“I don’t like to criticise referees because my father was one and I have a lot of empathy for them,” he added.
“All we ask for is a level of consistency but we don’t get it and that becomes a bit frustrating. Longton played to the fact that he was weak.”
After squandering numerous chances, Longton finally took the lead on 25 minutes after a fine drive.
The extras were converted to give the visitors a 7-0 half time advantage.
Newport came out in the second half with added urgency and pulled three points back through the boot of James Curgenven.
But a fine try by former National One centre Scott Rawlings extended Longton’s advantage with eight minutes remaining.
A man down in the closing stages, there was no way back for the home side.
Davies added: “They were the better side, simple as that. We’re disappointed as a management team to lose a game we felt we would win.”
By Sean Wozencroft
