Jardim: Brave Newport County chased win against Fleetwood

The Exiles shared the spoils in League Two for the first time since New Year’s Day when neither side was able to strike at Rodney Parade.

County had their chances and Bryn Morris had a penalty saved in the 25th minute but were also grateful that the Cod Army failed to take a number of chances at the end of both halves.

Jardim pushed for a winner in the closing stages after turning to his bench to add to their attacking threat.

That left them more open and it could have been a costly decision – but it’s one that the head coach would make again.

“I try to win. It could have gone either way but what people need to see from me is that I am brave and always look to win,” said Jardim.

“It was my first draw in 14 games but in the last 15 minutes I went for it and tried to change. We did create goalscoring chances, and I don’t know how the ball didn’t go in [from a goalmouth scramble].

“I want the players to be brave and sometimes you have to go for it. We got the draw and a very good point but my idea was to win.

“They could have snatched it but so could we with one of the very last balls, if Kai Whitmore had more belief a split second before a run when their goalkeeper slipped then it was there.

“It could have gone either way but I want everyone to see that my team will also compete, be hard to beat and go for the win.”

Bryn Morris drives forward for Newport County against Fleetwood (Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis/Huw Evans Agency)

WAS IT A FAIR RESULT?

NJ: Definitely, a point helps us to go in the right direction. I know that we missed a penalty, but taking into account the game and the chances that we created and they created, a point was good for both teams.

The game could have gone either way and I am happy with a point. It was a game that deserved goals but we have to see the positives of back-to-back clean sheets.

That shows the team is growing, is more competitive and hard to beat. That is something that we were looking for and the defence gives us good foundations for the future.

It was a good week for us – if you had asked me on Monday morning if I would have taken four points then I would have said yes.

HOW FRUSTRATED IS BRYN AFTER THE PENALTY?

NJ: Credit to the ‘keeper. Bryn is okay, it’s part of the game. You can only miss a penalty if you are brave enough to take it.

HOW HAS THE SECOND CLEAN SHEET COME ABOUT AFTER PREVIOUS DEFENSIVE PROBLEMS?

NJ: It’s just little details and little wins. Yes, we have conceded a lot of goals this season but we are also scoring almost every game.

It’s about finding the balance between goal scoring and conceding, but if you improve on the little details then this will be the end product.

It was a positive to not concede after Tuesday’s clean sheet.

BOSS: Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim on the touchline at Rodney Parade (Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis/Huw Evans Agency)

ARE WE SEEING THE REWARDS OF A SETTLED DEFENCE?

NJ: Sometimes people don’t understand what it’s like to be in a new team with 17 new players, trying to get them on the same frequency.

It’s hard to get them understanding each other, gelling, blending and communicating. They have come from different types of clubs and have played different styles, some used to just defending and some used to having the ball.

You have to make sure they all get to know each other and get to know my ideas, that takes time.

We have now played 14 games, not even a third of the competition, and have 19 points. We are doing fairly well and have to keep pushing and be positive, knowing that this league is cruel and difficult.

We have to make sure we remain calm, stable and adjust when we need to so that we are competitive.

BUILDING TOWARDS THE CUP…

NJ: Peterborough is a massive challenge and one that we are looking forward to. This week gives us a chance to rest some of the boys who have been playing every game and more time to prepare for a massive game.

NICE TO HAVE A BREAK FROM THE PRESSURE OF THE LEAGUE?

NJ: We always feel the same pressure and I don’t think about whether it’s the league or cup, we are ready to go out there and win.

We can move away from looking at the table but it’s still a massive game for the players, me and the club. We will make sure we are ready to be competitive like we were against Gillingham and Fleetwood.

If we are in that mood and in competition mode then anything can happen and we will look to prepare well and maybe make the players feel it is even more important than a league game.