Kamwa shines for Newport amid Will Evans Mansfield links

The Exiles played their final friendly before the trip to Whaddon Road at Hereford and played out a goalless draw against the National League North side.

County were once again without the injured and influential pair of Bryn Morris and Will Evans, with striker Evans heavily linked with a move to League One Mansfield.

Owner Huw Jenkins previously admitted that there had been tentative offers made by third tier clubs for the hard-working forward, who scored 25 goals last season.

Head coach Jardim added to his firepower last week by bringing in Kamwa and the former Leeds United and Burton forward was put straight into the XI at Edgar Street.

He showed flashes of what he will bring to the side, hitting the post and going close several times.

“He was really good and that’s why we got him here - to help the team,” said Jardim, who is set for his first Football League game as a boss.

“He’s going to be a good asset for us and he brings something different, which is what we need. I need to see him a little bit more now to assess where he can help us more in attack.

“On the whole though, I was really happy with his performance on his debut and I’m looking forward to what he can bring to us going forward.”

County failed to get a win ahead of the short trip to Cheltenham but Jardim gave his side the thumbs-up.

Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim (Image: Gareth Everett)

“I’m happy with the lads’ effort and performance overall,” said the head coach.

“We knew this pre-season game was going to be another process, but I thought it was a solid performance and it was good to come out of it with a clean sheet.

“We created a couple of good chances to score but we need to be more clinical in that final third. We know there is still a lot to do but we’re getting there as a team.

“Throughout pre-season our focus has been on the build-up to creating chances. First of all as a team, you need to be organised at the back which will then allow you to build going forward.

“I think the people who were here can see there is a new style being implemented and something that will take time.

“The boys are really enjoying the process, and you can see that on the pitch. There is still obviously a lot of work to be done, but it is coming.

“Hopefully, with a good first couple of games that confidence and belief can be installed around the team."

County once again fielded on-trial Hamzad Kargbo, a physical but raw striker whose chances of a deal will be boosted if an offer is accepted for Evans.

However, if last season’s top scorer does move on then the Exiles may need to use the funds to bring in a more polished and seasons campaigner as well.