Euro loss disappoints Deano
The 21-8 defeat gives the Falcons a tough task in reaching the quarter-finals, Newcastle earning an 8-6 half-time lead but failing to hold on.
“Without doubt it was a disappointing afternoon,” said Richards, whose four-game unbeaten home streak was brought to an end.
“At half-time we were ahead, like we were last week, but we didn’t build on it.
“We had an injury before the game with Calum Green being replaced by Glen Young, and then we lost Johnny Williams, Nemani Nagusa and Glen Young during the first half.
“That obviously doesn’t help and we really needed a line-out caller, but Edinburgh were good on the day and deserved their victory.”
Richards added: “They took their chances better than we did, and we just didn’t finish off our opportunities on the occasions where we cut them wide open.
“We probably had more clean breaks than they did but they were more clinical in making theirs count, and you don’t deserve to win when you can’t put your chances away.
“When you’ve got so many tight-heads out injured it’s always going to be difficult, although I thought there were some strange penalties out there, but you can’t complain too much because Edinburgh deserved their win.”
Now facing a difficult task to reach the last eight with two group games remaining, the Falcons boss said: “We’re still alive in terms of qualification but we know it’s going to be tough.
“We basically need Ediburgh to lose both of their games and us to win both of ours with bonus points, and all we can do is just give it our best shot.
“But to be honest I’m thinking exclusively about Gloucester at home in the Premiership next Sunday and then the league games which follow that, but when the time comes to go to Montpellier we’ll assess the situation and put a plan in place.
“Our bread and butter is the league, and these next few matches are really important to us.”
Tickets for Sunday’s visit of Gloucester are on sale now by [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1383
