Newport hunt fast start against Bristol Rovers

David Hughes has called on Newport County to get on the front foot against Bristol Rovers this afternoon.

The Exiles head into the League Two fixture at Rodney Parade (12.30 BST) on a five-game losing streak.

They face a Rovers side bidding to bounce back from League One relegation and who are fresh from 1-0 wins against Cambridge United and Grimsby Town.

"They have some strengths and have recruited heavily. Darrell Clarke is vastly experienced and had success at Bristol Rovers the first time around, and elsewhere in his career," said manager Hughes.

"They pose a threat but let's make sure that we are on the front foot and play to get the crowd behind us."

Newport suffered four one-goal losses on the spin until last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Cambridge, with Hughes critical of the performance level for the first time.

"One element that people on the outside may not see is how honest the group are. They hold their hands up and each other to account in those moments," said the manager.

"The overall level of performance last Saturday was not what we strive for, it was one performance that was below the standard that the group have set.

"That happens but we have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Newport did the double over the Gas when they last met in League Two in 2021-22, winning 1-0 at Rodney Parade thanks to James Waite's goal and a super save at the death by Nick Townsend.