Mid Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Rodney Parade has so far been home, sweet home for Newport County this season.

But head coach Nelson Jardim admits the poor away form has turned up the pressure to perform in front of their own fans.

Newport go into Friday’s League Two encounter with Chesterfield, lying 13th in the table, one place behind the visitors on goal difference.

But only three of Newport’s tally of 15 points so far have come on the road – a 1-0 win at Morecambe.

Indeed, Newport have lost their other five league games on their travels.

By contrast, they have won four of their five league matches at Rodney Parade, losing to current table toppers Port Vale in the other.

Jardim does not deny the effects of the disparity in the form and realises the poor return from away games places a big onus on his squad to cash in on home comforts.

“It definitely adds to the pressure. I am not going to hide that, it is true. Winning away is a bonus, but we know also it is difficult,” said Jardim.

But he believes the points haul from away games will increase the more his squad gel together, after Newport made 17 recruits during the summer transfer window.

Jardim felt his side deserved more from the last two defeats – a 3-1 reverse at Bradford and last Saturday’s 1-0 loss away to Harrogate.

Jardim said: “Football is so complex, you can not only speak about one thing there are a lot of things that contribute to whether you play well or not. Every team has this home factor which is an element when you play away.

“There are other things, but the fans are definitely a factor.

“I can only control what I can control and what the boys can do. I am sure there will be a point where we will be playing well and doing well away as well.”

And as Newport look to strengthen their home fortress on Friday night (20:00 BST) with a victory which would help them stay within touching distance of the play-offs, Jardim believes his squad is making progress.

Newport drafted in 17 signings during the summer as the Huw Jenkins era of ownership kicked in with a flourish. They have also suffered damaging injuries in the opening two blocks of the campaign.

Jardim said: “With all these changes and all what happened I think I would have taken this and everyone would taken what we have done so far at the beginning of the season.

"So we can only be proud of what we have been doing so far and we can only be positive going forward."