Steve Burr believes the end result could have been very different had Craig Lindfield converted a gilt-edged chance on 11 minutes in the 3-0 loss to Forest Green Rovers.
Ross Killock connected with a John Rooney free kick and home keeper Sam Russell managed to claw his looping header onto the bar only for the ball to land at the feet of George Horan.
Lindfield was better placed and the skipper teed up him six yards out with the goal begging but the midfielder could only fire tamely into the grasp of the scrambling Russell.
Experienced striker Lee Hughes gave an expert finishing demonstration, firing the hosts ahead a little over 10 minutes later and wrapping up the win with the final goal after James Norwood had extended the lead with an excellent strike midway through the second half.
"The difference today I felt was the finishing," said Burr after the game, which was played in swirling winds and occasional downpours.
"Lee Hughes is a quality finisher and Norwood's goal was quality goal. I can't ask for more from the lads, again they worked their socks off and it was just that final third that perhaps let us down today.
"I felt first half we defended hell in horrendous conditions and we definitely had the best chance of the first half and we didn't take it and I think that could have changed things. That's the difference and that's the fine margins.
"If opportunities come your way, you have got to stick them and it does change things because it takes the pressure off our back four and us a team and it puts the pressure on them to score
"Craig was obviously disappointed but really he should have found the back of the net."
Rovers reputedly have a £1.3 million playing budget, dwarfing the resources available to Burr and a glance at the firepower available to his opposite number Adrian Pennock illustrates the gulf between the two clubs.
Pennock named proven goalscorers Hughes, Danny Wright, Magno Viera and new signing Jason Walker in his squad and still has Andy Mangan, Reece Styche and Matthew Barnes-Homer on his books while Burr has only Jamie Reed and 18-year-old Tom Peers to call on currently.
Six points from his first three games in charge is an excellent return for the new manager. He now has a full week to work with his squad and attempt to bring in new signings - with ex-Everton and Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers training with the club - before entering a busy period that includes some very winnable games.
"I've said to the lads that you do learn more from a defeat," said Burr.
"I'm looking at it at the minute and having a look at different situations on how we can play and what we do to get the best out of them. Their effort and commitment is first class but its about what the is best way as a team to go about winning matches.
"I can't fault them today but it was just that little bit of quality that let us down in certain areas where we should have done better.
"I have said to the lads there are a lot of points to play for and a lot of games coming up."
