County rue missed chances

NEWPORT County’s flu-ridden walking wounded will feel aggrieved to have only collected a point in a disappointing Blue Square South clash at Spytty Park.

With County’s defence looking completely transformed from the ill-disciplined rabble of a few weeks ago, it was in the attacking third that the Exiles let themselves down, failing to score for the first time in more than a month.

They had their chances, particularly in the latter stages when they finished strongly, but if anything Glyn Thompson was the busier goalkeeper on a difficult afternoon where a swirling wind never dropped.

Nathan Davies again missed out with flu, while Craig Hughes, Danny Rose, Paul Bignot and Justyn Roberts all came through late fitness tests, having been struck down by the winter virus in midweek.

It was also the Exiles’ third game in seven days following tough trips to Braintree and Weston-super-Mare, and Holdsworth’s charges were clearly leggy throughout.

Craigs Reid and Hughes had a poor afternoon in attack – despite no little effort – and County also struggled on the flanks.

Kevin Cooper failed to match his impressive display at Weston and Paul Hall on the right looks like a player who desperately needs a goal to improve his overall confidence. His replacement, Kris Leek, is a bright prospect, but he has struggled time and time again when he is introduced from the bench on the right flank rather than being allowed to perform in his preferred central role.

For the first time in a long time County lacked balance in the centre of midfield. Rose looked like he was struggling after illness and he wasn’t helped by Adie Harris.

Harris was caught too often drifting into attacking territory when Welling were on the back foot, meaning Rose often had to check his runs to support Reid and Hughes.

It has been noticeable this term that Davies has been more disciplined in holding his position and that was really missed on Saturday.

It is only in defence that County genuinely impressed. Goalkeeper Glyn Thompson was imperious and it’s a real joy to see the improvement in Martyn Giles.

Deep into the second half Giles hit the byline to cross after beating two defenders for skill and trickery, while he never neglected his defensive duties and looked very sound. He is completely unrecognisable from the error-prone player who started the season and suddenly he is looking like a very smart acquisition.

Loan signings Roberts and Bignot have added pace to County’s rearguard and both seem to be growing into their roles.

And then there is the skipper, Ashley Vickers. He was absolutely superb on Saturday, marshalling and inspiring his men with a monumental performance that epitomises the character he brings to the side.

Vickers has been dealing with a very distressing family issue in the past week and was a huge doubt for Saturday, electing to play on the morning of the game.

He was by quite a distance the best player on the pitch and it was such a shame he received his fifth booking of the campaign, referee Andy Newell – yep, him again – making an error in adjudging Vickers to have hauled down striker James Baker when quite clearly it was Vickers who was impeded. Vickers’ Temuri Ketsbaia-style reaction to the booking – smashing his own head in frustration – really emphasised his commitment.

If the Exiles felt jaded beforehand then a 30-minute delay to kick-off will have done them no good at all, Welling late due to a traffic jam on the M4.

When we did eventually get under way, Newport pressed, Rose volleying wide in the first 60 seconds and then causing havoc with a vicious free kick on ten minutes.

The visitors began, however, to control the first half, Matthew McEntegart – the Australian defender who signed for Peter Beadle two years ago and then reneged 24 hours later and joined Forest Green – stealing in to win a header on 16 minutes inside the six-yard box, Thompson brilliantly turning the ball over the bar.

Roberts then fired over from another Rose free kick before Teddy’s son, Charlie Sheringham, twice went close for Welling and Lee Blackburn forced Thompson to push the ball onto the crossbar from a wind-assisted corner.

Jerome Anderson began to terrorise Newport at the start of the second period, bursting clear with superb trickery twice around the hour mark, only to let himself down with finishing that lacked composure.

He went clear for a third time on 68 minutes, but Vickers rescued Newport with a superb sliding tackle where any miscalculation would’ve led to a red card.

Speaking of which, the brilliantly named Welling full back, Sanchez Ming, should’ve gone for a second yellow after clattering through Craig Hughes late in the second half. Referee Newell, as he was in both FA Cup ties with Dorchester, was poor throughout.

County began to get forward more as the match moved into its final quarter and Reid missed the Exiles’ best chance, slipped in by Rose he opened his body and fired across goalkeeper Jamie Turner, who managed to brilliantly turn it past the post. Sheringham’s injury-time header was blocked on the line by Giles as both sides refused to settle for the stalemate.

That it was, though, and the draw does little to help the Exiles in their current predicament, only outside the relegation places on goal difference.

County: Thompson, Bignot, Giles, Cooper (Osei 84), Vickers, Roberts, Rose, Harris, Reid, Hughes (Duffy 74), Hall (Leek 60).

Subs not used: James, Jenkins.

Booked: Vickers (phantom foul, 50).

Welling: Turner, Ming, Cobbs, Quinn, McEntegart, Sinclair, Anderson, Blackburn, Baker, Sheringham, Johnson.

Subs not used: Chappell, Green, Stevens, Gross, Andrews.

Booked: Quinn (foul, 37), Ming (foul, 59).

Referee: Andy Newell (North Yate).

Attendance: 772.

Argus star man: Ashley Vickers.