Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said his side are struggling to cope with both the loss of both Callum Wilson and Dwight Gayle.
On a day in which it was confirmed that Wilson will be out for eight weeks with a calf problem, Howe was unable to rely on the former Crystal Palace man and unable to confirm whether it was Covid related.
It meant he was forced to play Joelinton in a more attacking position but the Brazilian still could not find a way through against Mark Bonner's side.
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Skipper Jamaal Lascelles was also missing from the line-up as Newcastle crashed out to last season's League Two promotion boys.
Howe said afterwards: "There is a gap there and everyone has to stand up and fill that gap. Losing Callum was a blow and Dwight Gayle.
"When you lose Callum we are left without a recognised striker.
"Today I felt we missed that focal point. It didn’t really work.
"The longer we went without a goal, confidence dipped.
"The body language and attitude was good from the players.
"We were not good enough in front of goal."
The defeat was played out in front of a full house at St James' Park but notably, they did not boo their team at the end.
Howe said: "We are devastated for the fans, a full house and atmosphere.
"We feel their pain and I want to repay their support and faith by winning games."
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