Newcastle rugby director Gary Gold admitted there was "nowhere to hide" for his team after their 19-9 defeat against Worcester.
Richard Hill believes Newcastle can still avoid the drop
Newcastle rugby director Gary Gold admitted there was "nowhere to hide" for his team after their 19-9 defeat against Worcester.
The Falcons remain eight points adrift at the bottom of the Aviva Premiership with just four league games left and look almost certain for the drop.
"We are going to have to front-up and be courageous now," Gold said. "We have four games to go and there is nowhere to hide. I knew what the task was when I came here, and I am completely up for the fight.
"A lot of aspects of our game were good, but it wasn't to be. I am unbelievably disappointed, absolutely gutted. It is devastating to leave here without even a bonus point."
Newcastle's latest defeat - their 13th from 18 Premiership starts this term - has upped the ante for remaining fixtures at home to Sale Sharks and Saracens and away against Gloucester and Wasps.
South African Gold, who will make way for Dean Richards next season, added: "One try was the difference tonight.
Shambles
"No defence can allow for missed tackles, and we missed one on our line for their try.
"Our lineout was a shambles tonight, and we can't accept that. We coughed up too much ball, and we have got to sort that out."
Worcester head coach Richard Hill believes Newcastle can still avoid the drop, though, especially given Wasps' tough run-in that finishes with a home game against the Falcons on May 5.
"They gave us a tough old battle tonight," Hill said. "I feel for them. Andy Goode's late penalty was a hammer-blow, but I still think there is a chink of light for them.
"We had to change tactics at half-time. We went into the match with a strategy of trying to play Newcastle at their own game, but that didn't work.
"We also needed to relax. I felt we were very edgy, but I hope the players can relax a little now after this win."