Jardim tells players 'grow up and toughen up'

Harsh words will be ringing in the ears of Newport County's players as they prepare for their League Two match at Accrington on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

Head coach Nelson Jardim has told them they need to "grow up and toughen up" after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield - their third defeat in four games.

Jardim was angry at the manner County conceded "two soft goals" just minutes after Matt Baker had put them 1-0 up on the stroke of half time.

The Portuguese boss said they can no longer use the fact that they are a young team as an excuse for mistakes or their inconsistency in League Two.

Now Jardim has warned them their long-term futures in the game are on the line.

"What is worrying me is we can't hide behind the fact we are young," he said.

"Yes, we finished the game with Matt Baker, with Joe Thomas, with [Anthony] Glennon, with Kieron Evans, with Josh Martin, with Kai Whitmore...all young boys.

"But they're good players and they have to perform in a consistent manner.

"It's for their futures, for their careers, they have to see that. They have to stand up and grow up as quickly as possible.

"They can't be the best four days ago, and then not perform at least at the same level."

Fans must have thought County had turned a corner after four successive wins in February, but they have followed that up by producing just one victory in five.

Newport now face an Accrington side who they beat 3-1 at Rodney Parade in August, with Stanley seven points above the relegation zone after five defeats from their last seven league games.

The game at Wham Stadium was originally scheduled for 11 January, but was rearranged due to Accrington's FA Cup third-round tie at Liverpool.