Newport County can stun Crewe with Amber Army help - Jardim

The Exiles have endured a tough September and have lost their last three League Two fixtures, with an implosion against Port Vale, a humiliation at Swindon and one-sided defeat at Barrow.

A bright start to the campaign is in danger of being derailed but they have a chance to boost morale with a pair of quickfire home games against Crewe this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and Salford on Tuesday.

Head coach Jardim admits they have been “chasing our tail” because of injuries and suspensions but he wants his side to show the fighting spirit to earn raucous support.

“It’s a question of getting back to the basics,” he said. “Reaction, performance, improvements – those are the key three words.

“We have to take this as an experience, improve and make sure that we are back in a good manner against Crewe, competing and making the most of the fact that we have two home games to get back on track.

“I am sure the fans will push and back the players because Doncaster was an example of how we won the game with their help.

“They have shown, their support has been great and it’s a different feeling at home. The players feel their energy.”

BOSS: Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

However, Jardim recognises the need to give the fans something to get behind by being aggressive and energetic on home soil.

“You cannot change what the club is all about. That has to be there and the fans need that connection with the players,” he said.

“Those features that the club has, that needs to be ingrained in the players or the fans will not recognise themselves on the pitch.

“The players have fought, run, battled and are committed, they are working hard every day. We are all giving everything that we have got to make sure this club is successful.

“But we have said since the beginning, with all of the changes [made over the summer] there will be ups and downs.”

County face a Crewe side hunting a fifth straight league win, with the last three of their successes earned with clean sheets.

Last season’s play-off finalists have beaten Bromley, Morecambe, Accrington and Harrogate - teams likely to be in the Exiles' 'mini league'.

However, Jardim once again looks to the Doncaster display to show that a home win is possible.

“Every game is difficult and if you are not at your best then things can go wrong, we have had that experience,” he said.

“We have also had the experience of being at our best and having good games to beat good teams, we have shown that this season.

“We respect Crewe, they have momentum and are a good team, one of the favourites [for promotion], but we have to approach this game with a positive mentality, as I am sure we will.”