Martin Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester after last night's game that he felt his players gave 100% and had Harry Pell converted a first half penalty the game might have finished differently.
"I can't fault my players for effort and committment," said the Hereford United manager.
"Disappointed to lose but we more than matched them and if we had got the penalty and a couple of chances we had, it might have been a different game.
"I never blame a penalty-taker because you've got to have the courage to take it. He missed one so pick it up and go and get the next one.
"Tom had a 100% penalty before that. The lad has wrapped him around, pulled him down and again another poor decision.
"And again on the penalty we got, why haven't they booked the lad?
"Amazing decisions from the referee.
"I'm not saying it's the fault of the referee that we lost, but sending Justin (the Newport manager) as well, it's ridiculous."
Foyle changed the formation to try and get back into the game.
"I'd rather lose 2-0 by having a go.
"I praised the players afterwards. It hurts, it sounds like they've won the League in there.
"They got to Wrexham, but if we beat Grimsby we'll be right back on their coat-tails again."
Two Hereford players had injury problems during the game.
"Marley showed character there. Many players would have limped off at half-time but he carried on.
"The same with Andy, he was struggling right from the start."