5 things we learnt from Newport County AFC v Cheltenham Town

Here's what we learnt from the match at Rodney Parade.

1. Jon Parkin could be Warren Feeney’s shrewdest summer signing

County might not get a full 90 out of him every week but Parkin showed on Saturday that he doesn’t need to play the whole game to make a big impact.

Okay, he’s not the most mobile and isn’t going to beat four defenders and stick one in the top corner, but you know what you’re going to get.

It looks like he hasn’t lost his touch in front of goal and may turn out to be one of Feeney’s most important signings.

2. County are not learning from their mistakes early on in games

The Exiles again conceded the first goal against Cheltenham, and it was another early strike that did for the Welsh club.

They will go back to the drawing board this week to see what they can do to stop this happening, but whatever they’ve tried so far it isn’t working.

3. The Exiles’ defending still has so much room for improvement

Feeney again expressed his disappointment with the manner of Cheltenham’s two goals and County’s defensive frailties are clear for all to see.

They have conceded an average of more than two goals a game in all competitions this term and kept just one clean sheet.

Maybe it’s time to try a different combination at the back with the likes of Kyle Cameron getting a chance.

4. Set-piece delivery could be better

The number one rule when taking a set-piece is not to hit the first man.

County were guilty of that a few times at Rodney Parade and with some good headers of the ball those are chances for goals wasted.

Jack Compton was unlucky with his free-kick that hit the bar but corners and other free-kicks could have been better.

5. The players shouldn’t fear going for goal

You’re not going to score with every shot at goal but if you don’t try you’ll never know.

There were a few players who found themselves in good positions on Saturday and didn’t pull the trigger.