NEWPORT County AFC needed this, a chance to show that some familiar traits remain despite a summer of change at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles got back to winning ways in League Two after beating Crewe 2-1 in a cracking clash in Newport.
It felt like folk were a bit jittery after a horrible September that featured an implosion against Port Vale, a disgraceful showing at Swindon and a comprehensive loss at Barrow.
The nerves were settled by a wonderful strike from Cameron Evans in the first half and then, shortly after Adrien Thibaut had levelled for Crewe, Matt Baker headed in an Anthony Glennon cross in the 74th minute.
The Exiles held firm to take the spoils and get off nine points ahead of Tuesday’s home meeting with Salford.
CHARACTER TEST
Three defeats on the spin, one of them a humiliating one, and County went from being close to being 2-0 up to level-pegging.
Bobby Kamwa’s shot at the end of a patient attack hit the inside of the right post and rolled along the line and then Crewe burst down the other end to level.
Heads dropping would have been understandable, and then influential captain Aaron Wildig went off after playing on with knocks and looking shattered.
The timing of Baker’s goal was perfect and it gave County reason to believe and something to hold on to.
They did that superbly with a well-timed substitution by Jardim to bring on Kyle Hudlin to help deal with Mickey Demetriou’s long-throw missiles.
This performance was far from perfect and there were times when County’s defence was opened up only for Crewe to make bad decisions.
However, it was a display full of heart, determination, endeavour – everything that was missing in Swindon.
Another thing that was missing in Wiltshire was Kyle Jameson after his moment of madness against Port Vale that earned a second yellow card.
Some even suggested that he should never play for the club again after that indiscretion – certainly an interesting standpoint for a side suffering a defensive crisis… Jameson needed to respond after his red card and this was a step to redemption with some telling contributions from the left-footer.
According to whoscored.com, he made two interceptions, six clearances, two blocks and one extremely timely slide tackle in his own box.
Jameson has been at County just over a season and he is clearly a talented player with strong attributes but consistency is his problem.
At the heart of the Crewe defence was Demetriou, a man who is seven out of 10 most weeks, occasionally slipping in a six.
Jameson goes from peak to trough, and goodness knows what we will see from him on Tuesday, but his character or heart shouldn’t be questioned after this response to losing his head on a frustrating afternoon against Port Vale.
DEFENSIVE HEADACHE
Welcome to being a football boss, Nelson.
In the space of a fortnight the head coach has gone from scratching around to field a back line to now having to potentially leave someone out.
Jardim got it wrong at Swindon when he shifted Bryn Morris to the back and tried to field Kieron Evans as a wing-back.
He will hope that his call for Tuesday is a better one after being given a nice headache for the clash with Salford.
Ciaran Brennan is back from suspension and will surely return, it’s just how they work the influential defender into the XI.
I would have put money on him partnering Kyle Jameson with Matt Baker lining up at right-back, where he put in a strong display against West Ham’s youngsters in the EFL Trophy, but now I’m not so sure.
That’s because of Cameron Evans has given his boss food for thought with an excellent performance and superb strike for the opener.
For what it’s worth, I’d go with Baker and consider giving Evans a crack as a deep-lying midfield, especially if Wildig fails to shake off a back spasm.
BIGGER BENCH IMPACT
I would argue that Jardim hasn’t used his bench enough but hopefully that will change now that he is able to put square pegs in square holes.
Kieron Evans was excellent against Crewe out wide on the right rather than operating in the middle while Bobby Kamwa was lively down the left.
Michael Spellman’s return to fitness gives another option on the wing while Oliver Greaves did well after coming on for Wildig.
Noah Mawene has also shown flashes of promise and hopefully Kai Whitmore and Jamie Miley can provide some deeper options to go alongside the assured and calming Bryn Morris.
Attacking midfield has the potential to be a real area of strength and County could reap the rewards of players emptying the tank and then being replaced.
Full-backs wouldn’t relish the prospect of an hour of Kamwa and Evans with Spellman/Mawene/Greaves to come.
This isn’t to suggest set changes by the clock but the ability to use five subs does present opportunity to use County’s strengths.
SAME AGAIN, PLEASE
Had County lost and put in a poor display then Tuesday’s clash with Salford would have felt huge.
Three points means there isn’t quite that desperation but it’s still big and presents an opportunity to chalk up another point or three on the way towards Jardim’s target for a “comfortable” season.
Getting that comfort will allow the head coach to push on more aggressively with certain aspects of the desired new playing style.
The draws column is still on zero after eight games (to go with a win and two losses in cup competitions) and County look likely to swing between good and bad.
It’s early days to talk league positions but the gap to strugglers is important and it currently sits at nine points to Morecambe and Accrington, with Stanley having a game in hand because of Wimbledon’s sinkhole.
The Exiles are in a good position given the summer of change but there can be no complacency.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here