Jardim ignores critics and hails 'big' Newport County win

Newport County boss Nelson Jardim says he has not paid attention to his critics after a win that eased pressure on his young side.

County saw off struggling Morecambe to move 10 points clear of the League Two relegation places, David Ajiboye scoring just minutes after the visitors looked to have snatched a point.

It was a second straight win for the Exiles in a period Jardim had accepted was key one to pull away from trouble after a winless six games.

But the Portuguese head coach says he has ignored doubters and focused on his fresh-faced side, still confident they can kick on in their season.

Speaking after the 2-1 win at Rodney Parade, Jardim said: "It is a big win. We knew we needed to win this game, it feels good - and I'm just pleased for the players.

"They have been fantastic from the beginning of the season and they deserve that. The fight especially in the last two games has been outstanding."

There had been questions over the mental strength of an inexperienced side faced with a relegation fight, but Jardim said the late win was not an answer to such critics.

He said: "I don't know anything about critics, I know only about my players, that's what I care about it. I can only deal with things in a positive manner, so I don't read the news, social media, because I am only focused on working with my players.

"The only thing I worry about is how they think, how they see things, how can we improve. The only criticism I have to pay attention to is from the players. Whatever we do is because we work together, every day, and that's why you see them fighting and knowing what to do in these situations."

Newport had lost five games in a row before a point at Salford was followed up by a home win over Barrow and this success over 23rd-placed Morecambe.

Jardim added: "We are still far away from what we want, but every team goes through a bad spell. You have to put what we've been through in context – with less home games than others, with injuries, with tough games we've had recently.

"I can only focus on how we can improve, they have been great to work with and a joy to watch. You always want to win in a comfortable manner, but to win like that sometimes can be more than three points."