Welsh Football

  • Home
  • Football
  • Nelson Jardim Insists Battling Draw For Newport County Can Prove To Be A Turning Point

Nelson Jardim Insists Battling Draw For Newport County Can Prove To Be A Turning Point

Gareth JamesGareth James2 April 2025
Nelson Jardim, the manager of Newport county. Pic: Alamy

Nelson Jardim, the manager of Newport county. Pic: Alamy

Newport County have now won just once in their last six matches, but manager Nelson Jardim says there are grounds for optimism.

Nelson Jardim believes Newport County can take confidence from their battling performance in a physical 1-1 draw against Bromley at Rodney Parade.

The Exiles took the lead in the 32nd minute when Cameron Evans guided an Anthony Glennon corner into the net with a looping header. 

However, they were pegged back in the 72nd minute as League Two’s top scorer, Michael Cheek, rose highest to nod home a pinpoint cross from substitute Cameron Congreve.

Despite surrendering the lead, Jardim was proud of how his team stood up to Bromley’s imposing style, especially given their struggles in recent weeks.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, they are a physical team,” said Jardim. 

“From the beginning we could feel that energy from the fans. We have been on a difficult run, but they helped us and gave us the energy to stay competing and ready for that battle.

“We know we are a small team, we can see that when we lined up at the beginning, but I thought our boys did very well. They were organised and competed well.”

The result extends Newport’s winless run to three matches, but they remain 17th in League Two, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with six games left to play.

Bromley, who sit 13th, have earned a reputation as the league’s most dangerous side from set-pieces. 

READ MORE: Nelson Jardim Has Run Out Of Patience With Newport County After Latest Feeble Display

Their aerial prowess was on full display when they put five past Newport in a Boxing Day encounter earlier this season, scoring three times from corners and once from a long throw.

Newport were nearly undone again in the opening minutes when Daniel Imray had the ball in the net, only to be flagged offside. 

They survived another scare when Kamarl Grant’s fierce strike rattled the post.

Bromley piled on the pressure in the second half, but Newport’s defence stood firm until Cheek’s equaliser. 

Jardim, while disappointed to drop points, acknowledged his team’s resilience in a tough contest.

“We had two or three moments where, with a little bit more quality, we could have broken into a counter-attacking situation, but it was a point in a tough league and from a tough game,” he said.

“When you don't win, there is disappointment, but there were positives. Hopefully, it will bring confidence to the players when it comes to these sorts of battles.”

READ MORE: Nelson’s Bad Column . . . Newport County Away Wins Tally Is Bad News For Boss Jardim

Newport now turn their attention to a crucial trip to bottom-placed Carlisle on Saturday, where they’ll face a side staring down relegation. 

Mark Hughes’ team are nine points from safety with six games left, following a damaging midweek defeat to Chesterfield.

The Exiles will assess striker Courtney Baker-Richardson, who was forced off late against Bromley with a tight hamstring. 

Kyle Hudlin has returned to training but is unlikely to play a full 90 minutes, meaning David Ajiboye could be deployed as a makeshift forward if Baker-Richardson is unavailable.

READ MORE: Mark Hughes Ready To Seize Wembley Chance With Bradford City

Related News

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson. Pic: Alamy

Wales Take on Denmark As The Long Hot Summer Begins For Rhian Wilkinson

Wales take on Denmark in Cardiff on Friday night, but that's not even the half of it in what promises to be a monumental few months for Welsh women's football.

Ian Mitchelmore | 6 hours ago
Derby County strker Jerry Yates celebrates his goal.

Swansea Striker Dumps Cardiff City Into Relegation Zone With Just Seven Games To Go

Wednesday night proved bleak for Cardiff City as they slipped into the drop zone thanks to a Derby County striker unwanted by Swansea City.

Graham Thomas | 13 hours ago
Phil Parkinson (Manager Wrexham). Pic: Alamy

Phil Parkinson In Danger Of FA Charge After Dropped Points Leads To Blast At Referee

Wrexham’s promotion surge has taken a jolt with dropped points at Cambridge United and it could prove more costly yet for manager Phil Parkinson.

David Williams | Apr 02, 2025
Wrexham are celebrating on and off the field. Pic: Alamy

Welcome To Money-land . . . Wrexham Cash In Thanks To TV Hype

Wrexham are on a roll - gathering winning momentum towards promotion, while enjoying a growing bank balance.

David Williams | Apr 01, 2025
Joe Allen and his Swansea City teammates celebrate their late equaliser. Pic: Alamy

“Inch-Perfect” Joe Allen Is The Still The Man, Says Swansea City’s Alan Sheehan

Swansea City earned a hugely valuable point at Leeds United as Joe Allen proved he can still measure a pass to perfection.

Paul Jones | Mar 31, 2025
Cardiff City's Isaak Davies

Omer Riza Points To Cardiff City’s Mentality As Reason For Dropped Points

Cardiff City are still in grave danger of relegation after they threw away a winning position at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Jake Maddaford | Mar 30, 2025