ONE feature of Newport County AFC’s win over West Ham’s youngsters in the EFL Trophy was the loud Yorkshire voice coming from the heart of the defence.
Ciaran Brennan returned to the side for the Exiles’ 1-0 win over the Hammers’ Under-21s but must drop back out for the upcoming games against Barrow and Crewe.
The 24-year-old is paying the price for losing his head against Port Vale; he was done like a kipper by experienced midfielder Ben Garrity, who held his leg and provoked a (minor) reaction.
Brennan was sent off and is serving a three-match ban in League Two, which provides Nelson Jardim with a headache for Holker Street.
The head coach recalled the centre-back in midweek to keep his fitness up and add some solidity after the 4-0 embarrassment at Swindon, when all the goals came in the first half.
The Exiles switched to a flat back four at the County Ground and started that way against the young Hammers.
The small crowd for the EFL Trophy game, with fans all in the Bisley Stand, meant it was possible to hear how influential the loud Brennan was throughout, constantly barking orders and encouragement to his teammates.
The centre-back will learn from his Vale aberration but County must wait until October 1 against Salford to reap the benefit.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see whether now is the time for Jardim to stick with what is his preferred option of a flat four.
Matt Baker could partner Kyle Jameson, who made a good return from suspension in midweek, at the heart of the defence with Cameron Evans and Anthony Glennon as full-backs.
Baker was very solid at right-back against the Hammers and will be an option there when more central defenders are available, which would enable versatile wing-back Shane McLoughlin to be a midfield possibility when he returns from a knee injury next month.
Bryn Morris will surely be the holding midfielder in Barrow – and captain due to Aaron Wildig’s concussion – after dropping into defence in Wiltshire.
Courtney Baker-Richardson will lead the line and then it’s a case of choosing the other four – Kieron Evans, Cameron Antwi, Bobby Kamwa and AN Other?
In the absence of Wildig, Noah Mawene, Oliver Greaves, Kiban Rai or Luke Jephcott (as a 10) are the options.
Whoever gets the nod will need to put in a strong defensive shift with Cameron Evans and particularly Glennon needing assistance against a Barrow side that threaten from out wide.
The alternative would be to stick with the 3-5-2 until the injury room empties a bit, with teenager Nelson Sanca the most likely to be a third central defender if Cameron Evans is kept down the right.
Possible County XI (4-2-3-1): Townsend, C Evans, Baker, Jameson, Glennon, Morris (captain), K Evans, Kamwa, Jephcott, Antwi, Baker-Richardson.
THE OPPOSITION
Barrow have started the season strongly with wins against Crewe, Port Vale, Harrogate and Grimsby, plus a draw against Swindon when they played the whole second half with 10 men and an outfield player in goal.
Their only league disappointment came at Cumbrian rivals Carlisle when edged out 1-0.
Third-placed Barrow have scored nine goals and conceded just three; they are ranked just 17th for big chances created (6), 13th for shots on target per match (4) and 22nd for touches in the opposition box (87).
BARROW STATS
Leading scorer: Gerard Garner and Theo Vassell (2).
Most assists: Ben Jackson and Elliot Newby (3).
League position: Third (13 points).
Form guide: WLWWDW.
COUNTY STATS
Leading scorer: Aaron Wildig (3).
Most assists: Antony Glennon, Cameron Antwi, Courtney Baker-Richardson all on one.
League position: 10th (9 points).
Form guide: LWWWLL
MATCH ODDS
Barrow 1/2, County 9/2, draw 29/10
LAST TIME
The trip to Barrow started County's nightmare run-in of eight straight defeats. Cole Stockton, now of Salford, struck the only goal of the game as the Exiles barely threatened in windy conditions.
It came after the spoils had been shared at Rodney Parade with Shane McLoughlin's penalty cancelled out by Dean Campbell's penalty following Ryan Delaney's sending off for two cautions.
LEAGUE TWO FIXTURES
Accrington v Port Vale, Chesterfield v Cheltenham (both 12.30pm), Barrow v Newport County, Bradford v Wimbledon, Colchester v Tranmere, Crewe v Harrogate, Grimsby v Bromley, MK Dons v Doncaster, Notts County v Gillingham, Salford v Carlisle (Monday: Fleetwood v Morecambe).
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