NEWPORT County AFC are ready to concentrate on the league after their FA Cup exit – and co-captain James Clarke believes they can kick on after a steady start.
The Exiles return to League Two action on Saturday when they travel to Tranmere with the aim of building on a win at Gillingham and draw with Fleetwood.
County make the trip to Birkenhead after being knocked out of the FA Cup by League One Peterborough United, who struck twice late on to complete a comeback 4-2 win after the hosts’ early double at Rodney Parade.
Nelson Jardim’s men could still qualify for the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy – that will be decided at Reading next Tuesday – but their prime focus for the coming focus is racking up the points.
They currently sit in 14th place in the table, just three points off the play-offs and with a healthy 11-point advantage over the drop zone.
Given that County were tipped by many to be relegation candidates that represents an encouraging start after summer of change with head coach Jardim replacing manager Graham Coughlan to work with a dramatically different squad.
“Considering we had a big influx of players with 17 coming in it's been positive so far,” said centre-back Clarke, who is in his fourth campaign in Newport.
“Everyone is still gelling and learning about each other, these things take time. We've shown signs of what we can do and how good we can be, so it's now about getting consistency.”
County have 19 points from 14 games, with the mid-40s usually enough for survival.
That is the first target with Jardim stating that being “comfortable” in the table will enable him to push on with implementing his desired style.
County have already shown their ability with wins over promotion candidates Doncaster and Crewe plus the hard-fought 2-0 success at Gillingham last time they were on the road.
Veteran Clarke is confident that the young players in the squad will grow now that they have had a taste of the EFL.
“There's loads more to come. Look at how many games the starting XI has played compared to some other sides, you can’t compare,” he said.
“We've had lads making their debuts and they have more than stood up to the task. It’s about them getting the confidence to play consistently in League Two, build on their performances and understand the levels required.
“That takes time but they have already shown that they are capable and that they can kick on.”
Clarke is having to be patient after finding himself out of the XI with Ciaran Brennan and Kyle Jameson paired at the heart of the flat four.
The defender, 35 a week on Sunday, has been an unused substitute for the last three games but will be ready when needed.
“You want to be playing because of competition, not because there is nobody else,” said Clarke, who has made 102 appearances for County since joining from Walsall.
“Competition for places pushes each other and makes sure you are on it every day in training. Players like me are waiting for an opportunity and when it presents itself then you have to take it.”
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