Newport County

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Nelson Jardim has backed his players to improve as Newport County prepare to face a side who tormented them from set pieces on Boxing Day.

Jardim's side will look for revenge over Bromley on Tuesday night (19.45 BST) after the south London side scored four goals from set pieces in their 5-2 home win over County on 26 December.

Newport will also hope to put smiles back on fans' faces at Rodney Parade after losing for just a second time in eight home league games with Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Notts County.

"We can only back the players to look forward and improve....I have nothing [negative] to say in terms of effort or commitment as the boys did their best against Notts County," said Jardim.

"We knew it was always going to be tough playing against a good team. At moments we made it hard for them, and showed we can play good football.

"In the last 25 minutes of the first half we were probably the better team. You can pick the stats that suit you, but I'm quite sure we were 50/50 in terms of possession in the second half, so you have to be positive."

Jardim expects a "completely different game" against a Bromley side 13th in League Two - five places and six points above 18th-placed Newport.

"They play a different style," he said.

"The facts, the evidence is there - in that game [on Boxing Day] we conceded from three corners, one from a throw-in, and the last one was a free-kick just outside the box.

"We had 70% of the ball in that game, and scored two goals towards the end.

"It'll be a tough game, but completely different to this one [Notts County]. But we have to look at ourselves and improve the way we want to play the game."

Jardim said injured striker Kyle Hudlin will not be back for Bromley's visit, but could be available for Saturday's trip to Carlisle.

Defender Kyle Jameson is not ready to return yet either.

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Newport County will welcome back "flying" Bobby Kamwa against Notts County – having already welcomed back another trio to training.

Striker Kyle Hudlin, defender Kyle Jameson and former Cardiff City full-back Tom Davies have all returned to the grass after recent injury spells.

None will be in consideration for the visit of the Magpies (Saturday 15:00 GMT), but Kamwa is set to head straight back into the starting XI having missed last weekend's defeat at Grimsby.

Kamwa, 25, was rested for the 1-0 loss with Jardim admitting: "Bobby's flying again - we just had to give him a few days rest because he's already played more games than he's ever played in a single season.

"And don't forget in November he was out for a few weeks with injuries - so he's exceeded what we thought he could do and a rest was something he was needing."

The Leeds United youth graduate signed from Burton Albion in the summer, scoring eight goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. His previous highest appearance tally was 26 games in League One last term.

Keenan Patten is also fit again, with Jardim saying it feels the squad are approaching "full power" with the return of the three injury lay-offs.

Striker Hudlin is back from the calf injury suffered against Carlisle in February, Jameson is training after a quad tear at the start of the month while 21-year-old Davies returns having been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury in January.

"They gave a big effort and it was good to see them running about and nice to see them back," added Jardim. "There was a good energy in the session because they brought that back to the squad."

After defeat on the road, Newport are hoping to make it three home wins in a row when the sixth-placed Magpies arrive at Rodney Parade.

With one of the worst away records in League Two, Newport County are gearing up for back-to-back games at Rodney Parade - and they are one of the division's best at home.

Ahead of the visit of Notts County on Saturday, we asked why there is such a difference between the Exiles on their ground and on their travels.

Here are some of your responses.

Richard - The away tactics don't seem to work - too much emphasis on just defending. We need to be more positive and use subs better. Home form is good but some performances have been more about defence and very low shots on goal and others much better with shots at goal

Phil – We are tactically naive away from home and need an experienced manager for next season otherwise things are unlikely to improve. UTC.

Lourenco - The Newport County players are, in all truth, rejected players from all the other clubs and the club has the lowest budget in League Two and most of National league below them, so to be in their position in 17th is a mini-miracle. I think it is only because of the astute reaction from Mr [Huw] Jenkins that their neck is above water - this is Nelson Jardim's first season.

Rob - I am a County fanatic, but in all honesty we are a relegation team who have had some immense luck in certain home games, particularly [against] relegation favourites Carlisle and Morecambe. Injuries and selling our best player haven't helped.

Mac - Yo-yo is the perfect description of our season. Some games we look like Guardiola's Barcelona and other games it's as if the players boots are made of lead.

Andrea - If you had told most Newport supporters that we would have the points we have at this stage in the season and that we would be practically safe, they would have been very happy given our budget and the players we have. The ups and downs are part and parcel of being a football supporter and the lows make the highs extra special.

Terry - There is nothing new in a mid-table team doing better at home than away - that is why they are mid-table. It may only take a slight tweak to improve on the road and perhaps Newport should be more adventurous when playing away from Rodney Parade.

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Newport County are back at home this weekend, which will be a relief for fans.

Because when it comes to playing at Rodney Parade this season, the Exiles have shown play-off form. Their 33 points picked up on their own patch is only bettered by the League Two's top four sides of Bradford City (48), AFC Wimbledon, Walsall (both 40) and Port Vale (36).

The problem is for manager Nelson Jardim, their away form has been the stuff of relegation campaigns - with no League Two side picking up fewer points than County's unfortunate 13.

That means 72% of Newport's total tally has been earned at Rodney Parade.

Newport's latest attempt to stop the rot on the road ended in a 1-0 defeat at Grimsby at the weekend, meaning four successive away losses.

It means it will be a welcome return when play-off hopefuls Notts County arrive in south Wales this weekend, before Bromley make it back-to-back home fixtures on Tuesday.

And Newport's next attempt to get it right will be at Mark Hughes' Carlisle on 5 April, still desperately trying to climb out of the relegation places.

Jardim says he has tried tweaking the routine to get it right away from home, but what do you think the reason is for the difference?

And what has been your stand-out home performance this season? The nine-goal thriller against MK Dons? Or one of the vital wins against Morecambe or Carlisle that eased relegation worries?

Have your say by sending your views here., external

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Bobby Kamwa missed Newport County's 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town due to muscle fatigue, head coach Nelson Jardim confirmed.

The 25-year-old is the Exiles' top scorer this season with eight goals but was left out of the matchday squad for the trip to Blundell Park on Saturday.

But following the loss - Newport's 13th from 20 away League Two matches so far this season - Jardim revealed that Kamwa's absence was a precautionary measure.

"He had a little bit of fatigue on one of his hamstrings which is the same area he had the injury back in November and beginning of December," the head coach told BBC Radio Wales.

"An injury at this time now means that he's not going to play for the rest of the season.

"We decided to give him a rest now and reassess on Monday and hopefully he'll be available for the rest of the season.

"You've got to make sure you've got as many players available as you can for the rest of the season, which is still eight games to go."

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Newport County boss Nelson Jardim says the club have tinkered with their approach to away matches.

The Exiles would be chasing automatic promotion in League Two based on their home form this season, with the sixth-best record in the division, but they have struggled on the road, averaging well below a point per game.

Ahead of the long trip to Grimsby, Jardim is trying new things, including an overnight stay before the match.

"Hopefully it is a step forward in us feeling as good as we can ahead of an away game," he said.

"We changed a couple of things, timing of sessions, food, all that… the way we are going to approach everything.

"That won't be the answer, but it's a step forward.

"We can't keep doing the same things and expecting different results. We are trying to find ways of being competitive, so that we can win games."

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim hopes to have a fully fit squad available in the coming weeks as key players make progress after injuries.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's League Two trip to Grimsby Town, Jardim said Keenan Patten and Kyle Hudlin, along with midfielder Cameron Antwi, are all set to return soon.

"Patten's back with a full week of training, Hudlin has started running and Antwi, who has been sidelined for 12 days following a head concussion, will also be available," says Jardim.

"Things are looking very good at the moment, and hopefully, within two weeks, we should have the full squad, assuming no setbacks."

With Newport having lost three consecutive away games, the 46-year-old is keen to see his team bounce back.

Grimsby sit two points off the play-off spots while Newport are 16th and Jardim said: "It's going to be a huge game for us and for them.

"They're two points off the play-offs. But for us, it's about focusing on how we can improve and compete. We want to improve our away form, which hasn't been good enough lately."

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Iwan Roberts believes Newport County's clean sheet will be one of the most pleasing aspects of their victory over Harrogate Town for boss Nelson Jardim.

The Exiles shipped five goals as they were thumped by Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium four days earlier.

But they maintained their strong home record as goals from Cameron Evans, Courtney Baker-Richardson and James Clarke earned Newport a 3-0 triumph over Simon Weaver's side at Rodney Parade.

It was their 10th success at home in League Two this season, with only Bradford City, Walsall and Wimbledon managing more.

However, they have won just three times away in the league this season.

And former Wales forward Roberts has challenged Jardim's men to replicate their home form on the road.

"Their home record has been brilliant," Roberts told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast programme.

"Nelson Jardim will be happy with the clean sheet as well after conceding five at Accrington Stanley.

"They've won five of their last seven at Rodney Parade, but the problem for Newport is the performances and results away from home.

"But it's a brilliant result for them on Saturday beating Harrogate 3-0."

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Ciaran Brennan hopes Newport County can replicate their strong Rodney Parade form when they play away from home.

The Exiles beat Harrogate Town 3-0 in south Wales on Saturday to earn a 10th home league triumph of the season.

Their tally of 33 points gained on home soil under Nelson Jardim is the joint-fourth best return of any side on their own patch in the fourth tier this term.

It is in stark contrast to their away form, with only Tranmere Rovers having a worse record on the road than Newport in League Two this season.

"Every time we play at home, the crowd's great, they get behind us," said Brennan.

"I don't know if that's a contributing factor when we go away from home or not, it's hard to put your finger on it.

"All season we've shown we're a resilient group. All we've got to do is take our home form into the away games and we'll be fine."

Brennan played in a more unfamiliar midfield role against Harrogate on his first start in two months.

The 24-year-old dislocated his shoulder in Newport's 3-2 loss at Port Vale on 18 January, but admits he always backed himself to return to Nelson Jardim's line-up once he made a full recovery.

"It was tough, not easy. I had to dip into my mental reserves [against Harrogate] at one point," he added.

"I've been working hard behind the scenes. I got some minutes against Accy (Accrington Stanley) but the game was almost gone by the time I came on.

"I'm a confident lad, I back myself to get back in the team and hopefully that's what I've done.

"I thought I was in a good groove of games [before the injury], I'd played every minute of every game, I felt strong and confident, but that's football. I'm ready to go again."

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Nelson Jardim feels Newport County have to end the season strongly as they bid to improve ready for the Portuguese head coach's second campaign at the club.

Following Saturday's 3-0 win against Harrogate Town, the Exiles sit 16th in League Two - 16 points above the relegation zone and 12 points adrift of the play-off places.

It has been a debut campaign full of ups and downs for Jardim since he was named as Graham Coughlan's successor in the Rodney Parade dugout last summer.

And the 46-year-old is now targeting a strong end to the season as Newport hope to go from strength to strength in the fourth tier next time out.

"They (players) are motivated. I don't think we can change our objective. Our objective was to get this comfort as quickly as possible," he said.

"They have to be focusing on developing individually and collectively, because we know we can only start strong next season if we finish strong (this season).

"The way we're going to finish this season will set the tone for for the next season.

"We want to start well, that's something I've said and I will be making sure that everyone is focused on that."

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says his side must move on quickly from their heaviest defeat of the season.

The Exiles were beaten 5-0 at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, their third consecutive loss on the road.

"A tough week after a defeat like that is never easy, but I think it's gone now and we have to refocus for the next one," said Jardim.

Having won four games in a row during February, Newport have now lost four of their last five League Two fixtures, with their Portuguese head coach critical in recent weeks of performances and mentality.

However, after the mid-week trouncing at the Wham Stadium, Jardim acknowledged few words were needed.

"The players, straight after the game, were telling a couple of truths, I didn't need to speak too much," he revealed.

"We didn't start the game in the best way, with a lack of intensity and aggression that the opposition had. The boys know that if they aren't at that level, this is what happens."

County will be back on home ground on Saturday when they face Harrogate Town, a match which will see the return to Rodney Parade of former player Bryn Morris who left to join the Sulphurites in January.

"It was a massive signing for them," said Jardim.

"He's an important player, playing every game and has settled in very well. More importantly, him and his family are happy, and that's something we as a club value highly.

"We've obviously missed him but we've found ways to overcome that."

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Newport County are set to be without Cameron Antwi for at least 10 days as the midfielder continues to follow concussion protocols.

The 23-year-old was withdrawn during the Exiles' 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday - being replaced by Kieron Evans in the 79th minute at the SMH Group Stadium.

He was left out of the matchday squad for his side's 5-0 loss to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night and is set to miss Saturday's fixture with Harrogate Town at Rodney Parade (15:00 GMT).

"He had a knock to his head in the last game, that's why he came off," Nelson Jardim told BBC Sport Wales.

"He's going to be out for the next 10 to 12 days. He's following the head concussion protocol."

The only positive on what was a sobering night for Newport at the Wham Stadium was the return of Ciaran Brennan from injury.

The Irishman missed 11 League Two matches after dislocating his shoulder in Newport's 3-2 loss at Port Vale on 18 January.

But he was listed among the substitutes in Lancashire on Tuesday and was brought off the bench in the 56th minute.

"It is (a boost). You could see he gave a little bit more options," added Jardim.

"His match fitness is probably not ready to play for 90 minutes, he's been away for a while now."

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Nelson Jardim described Newport County's 5-0 loss at Accrington Stanley as a "wake-up call to everyone" at the club.

The Exiles turned in a dire display at the Wham Stadium and found themselves three goals behind after just 26 minutes in Lancashire.

They ended the contest having failed to register a single shot on target, and Jardim said both he and his players have to take the blame for what was a torrid night on the road.

"Very disappointing, this is a wake-up call to everyone," he told BBC sport Wales.

"The two teams started with different levels of desire and aggression and that's the reason we were down 3-0 after 25 minutes.

"When it's like that it's very hard. When you lose 5-0 you don't need to talk too much, the result speaks for itself.

"It's not only down to me to find reasons for that. Some of the players will have to find reasons as well."

Following a 2-1 loss at Chesterfield on Saturday, Jardim told his players they need to "grow up and toughen up".

And the Portuguese head coach says his side can ill-afford a repeat of their performance against John Doolan's side - their heaviest loss of the campaign - during their League Two run-in.

"They (players) have missed another chance to show what they can do," added Jardim.

"We still have 10 games to go and what we have seen today can't happen again.

"When you lose 5-0 it's better to keep your head down and work hard."

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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.

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says forward David Ajiboye "ticks all the boxes".

The 26-year-old joined the Exiles on loan from League One Peterborough United in the January transfer window.

Ajiboye has scored two goals since joining League Two Newport, and was instrumental in all three goals against Gillingham on Tuesday evening.

"Ajiboye had a very good game, he has definitely improved our team," said Jardim.

"He was involved in all three goals, but it is about the teamwork, effort and work ethic in this club.

"You can see clearly why we signed him. He ticks all the boxes in terms of the quality at this level.

"The impact he has on the team, in the dressing room and in the games, and his character are perfect fits for me."

Ajiboye's contract with Peterborough expires at the end of the season, at which point he would be free to join any team.

And Jardim expressed his desire to bring Ajiboye back to Rodney Parade next season.

"I don't want to make too many changes," said Jardim.

"You always have to speak to the players, because it is not just about what I want or the club wants.

"Players will try and move and try and get better deals and clubs, that's part of football.

"But the club needs players like him, as long as we are all on the same page hopefully he will stay."

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Newport County defender Kyle Jameson has suffered a grade two tear in his calf.

The 26-year-old was not included in Newport's Tuesday evening squad for their 3-1 win over Gillingham.

Head coach Nelson Jardim said the defender had concerns when arriving to training on Thursday, and the club received the results of the scan on Friday morning.

"I've just had the text to say he has got a tear in his quad," said Jardim.

"It's a grade two tear, I will have to speak with physios.

"I'm not sure how many days or weeks, but he's not going to be available [against Chesterfield]."

Jardim also confirmed that January signing Keenan Patten is nearing a return.

"Keenan is still recovering from his knee injury," said Jardim.

"There is nothing wrong with the knee, he just still feels a little discomfort and pain.

"We are lucky now to have Kai [Whitmore] back, Kieron Evans back, and we still have Noah [Mawene].

"Macca [Shane McLoughlin] is doing a good job in the middle, and Cameron Antwi.

"So we are not finding excuses, just solutions."

The Exiles travel to Chesterfield on Saturday afternoon, with both teams a long way off both the play-offs and relegation zone.

Jardim says his core principles remain the same, despite promotion and relegation both being extremely unlikely at this stage.

"We are very clear in what we want to do," said Jardim.

"The motivation, stamina and consistency has to be part of us, we are here but we want more.

"Wanting more every day is one of our principles and it cannot change."