Brittle defending costs County points

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: Whaddon Road

Cheltenham Town 3 (Colwill 22, 90+6 Dulson 27)

Newport County 2 (Baker-Richardson 31 pen, Greaves 43)

Attendance: 4,613

Match Rating: ****

Form:

Newport County

Cheltenham Town

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Both teams have had a major summer overhaul with new managers in. Cheltenham are low on numbers in defence so key County get a them but offer concentration and resilience defending direct balls

CONDITIONS

Warm, sunny and breezy. Pitch in excellent condition and quick on top

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT

Spirited comeback after poor lax defending only to be robbed by late goal.

TURNING POINT

Both sides had spells on top but County going down to 10 men late on didn’t help them

THE MATCH

County had 6 new players making their debut but the defence had a familiar look with Townsend in goal, McCoughlin right back, Jameson and Clarke centre backs alongside new signing from Grimby Town at left back Anthony Glennon. In midfield, Wildig captained the side with a new partnership of Ciaran Brennan from Sheff Wednesday and Cameron Antwi from Cardiff. County adopted a 4–3–3 formation with Courtney Baker-Richardson making a welcome return to play number 9 after signing from Crewe. He had support from Bobby Kamwa left side who signed from Burton Albion and Oliver Greaves who joined from semi pro outfit Mickelover in the summer. Cheltenham introduced several new players with former County manager Mike Flynn in charge and former County wing backs Lewis Payne and Ryan Haynes alongside Scott Bennett in a three man defence with the hosts playing 3–5–2. County started the quicker with some bright moves left side to test Cheltenham with an early move that Antwi initiated on 2 minutes finding the overlapping run of Glennon down the left flank. He whipped in a vicious low cross into the six yard box which centre back Laing managed to hook away with Baker-Richardson lurking. County were keen to get Kamwa on the ball and his drive left side caused problems for Laing and Payne. On 5 minutes, Kamwa forged his way inside near the left corner of the box and curled a decent effort towards the top right corner but Owen-Evans adjusted well to tip over the bar. Cheltenham elected for some direct balls to turn County but overplayed a number of passes allowing County to turn the screw. On 10 minutes, there was another warning for Cheltenham with Glennon exploiting space and his searching cross forcing Bennett to into a hurried clearance and the ball went for a corner. Glennon took the corner which Cheltenham managed to usher to the edge of the area and Greaves hit a sweet low crisp volley which was well blocked by Bakare. Cheltenham were keen to push up to deny space which left risks with County picking holes and they eased into the game with Cardiff City loanee Joel Colwill getting on the ball in midfield to make strong runs. On 15 minutes, County had Brennan in the book when he jumped into a challenge and caught Colwill late. On 20 minutes, Cheltenham made headway again pressing up to stifle Kamwa and he lost possession cheaply on the left touchline. Kinsella slipped a pass across the face of the area to Payne but his rash shot from 20 yards was high and wide of the right post. There was another warning moments later when County squandered possession cheaply inside their own half and Colwill drilled a low shot wide of the left post from 25 yards. County failed to heed the warning on 22 minutes when Payne drove right side making the most of a slip by Glennon. He cut back a low ball to front post and Bowman had the strength to spin off a weak challenge by Jameson and hit a shot on the turn from 8 yards. Despite the effort being blocked the rebound fell kindly for the unmarked Colwill who tapped home from 8 yards. Cheltenham added another goal on 27 minutes coming again from a move right side with County too passive in their defending. Payne drove right side of the area making the most of the space invited and his low pass found Bowman who got across Jameson. His strength again caused problems near the front post and this time he was allowed to turn and set up Dulson who finished low into the right corner from 10 yards. County made efforts to pick up their game with Wildig and Greaves enterprising with their passes and movement. Kamwa continued to cause problems offering verve and pace left side and he was the architect of the equaliser on 31 minutes. His strong run took him towards the left byline and he cut inside coaxing Payne into a clumsy challenge which drew a penalty. Baker-Richardson took the pen with composed finish which flat-footed Owen-Evans. The goal roused County again with Cheltenham looking increasingly shaky at the back with some hurried clearances left side. On 33 minutes, a snappy low move by County from deep caught Cheltenham napping and Greaves drew Haynes into a late tackle which got him a yellow card. County were on top as half time approached with Cheltenham squandering possession and they were back level on 43 minutes. A neat move down the middle saw Brennan and Wildig combine have a plethora of options with Kamwa stretching defenders left side. Greaves made the most of the parting Cheltenham defence and his darting run took him past Bennett. His first shot just inside the right side of the area was parried by Owen-Evans but his alertness to follow up saw him pounce on the rebound to slot home past the keeper. County kept pressing and flirted with goal on 45+2 minutes when Baker-Richardson attempted a difficult snapshot from the edge of the area but his shot was dragged wide of the right post.

County maintained their grip on the game early in the second half forcing Cheltenham deep. On 47 minutes, Cheltenham won a corner from a break right side and the corner from Colwill was met by Bennett but the floating header from 10 yards was comfortable for Townsend, County were keen to get their right side working better with McCoughlin and Greaves combining well together. On 50 minutes, McCloughlin received an excellent cross field pass from Glennon and threatened to get in behind Haynes who was caught napping but a poor touch by McCoughlin let him down and the chance was lost. Kamwa continued to cause problems with some crosses into the area to test Cheltenham but they managed the threat well with Bakare and Laing alert. On 57 minutes, Cheltenham created a more efficient move left side with Haynes slipping a pass inside for Colwill. His strong run inside across the face of the area unsettled County but his low shot from 20 yards was well blocked by Brennan. Cheltenham continued to get joy winning corners and asked questions again on 58 minutes when Haynes out-swinging corner was headed well wide of the right post by Bowman under pressure from Jameson. County then had Wildig in the book on 60 minutes for recovering back to tackle Bennett as he drove forward from deep. Cheltenham made a triple change moments later with Dulson being replaced by Taylor up front. There were two midfield changes to energise with Pett and Archer coming on for Sohna and Kinsella. County made a surprise change with Greaves being replaced early for Wood and new signing from Haverfordwest Kai Whitmore coming to bolster the midfield in place of Antwi. County continued to work the channels well with kicks from deep by Townsend or switches of play and they issued another warning to Cheltenham on 66 minutes. This time Kamwa made the extra step to beat Laing following a run left corner of the area but his powerful effort was cleared by a header from Bakare inside near the goalline. On 70 minutes, County won a corner right side which Wildig worked short to Wood. His cross was met well by Clarke who glanced his backward header into the path of Kamwa. He adjusted well but his low from 10 yards was saved low in the left corner by Owen-Evans. Cheltenham made a change soon after with Haynes replaced by Thomas. On 75 minutes, Taylor did well to draw a foul down the left touchline with Wood recovering to tackle back. Thomas whipped in a decent set piece which held back in the wind and Laing directed his header from 8 yards wide of the right post. County made another singular substitution on 78 minutes with Kamwa replaced by Jephcott who went left wing with Baker-Richardson staying number 9. County worked some direct balls to match up Richardson with Bennett but County struggled to make the ball stick on times. Richardson was then booked on 80 minutes for clipping Thomas which vented from frustration at losing the ball cheaply. County made another change on 85 minutes with Baker-Richardson replaced by former QPR academy graduate Hamzad Kargbo and Cheltenham responded with a like for like change with Miller on for Bowman. County kept pressing for a winner and were close again on 88 minutes following a corner right side. Wildig delivered a decent cross towards the front post which Brennan glanced on and Kargbo was well positioned but his header from 8 yards drifted wide of the right post. County were then dealt a blow on 90 minutes when Kargbo suffered an injury whilst retaining the ball and had to be taken off and they had used their compliment of substitutions meaning they had to play 6 minutes of injury time with 10 men. From the resulting free kick, Glennon delivered an excellent inviting cross which Clarke latched onto but his side footed volley from 10 yards went just over the bar. Cheltenham pushed up higher to force County deep. County were forced to deal with some late pressure and held their shape and discipline well until 90+6 minutes. Cheltenham won possession near the half way line with Glennon being forced off the ball. Archer was set free through the middle and his pass right side of the area found Colwill. He appeared to have run into a dead end near the byline but his low shot appeared to creep in the right corner with the aid of a slight deflection. County made efforts to push men forward but this time there was no time respond and Cheltenham held on for a somewhat fortuitous win.

Townsend (6) — well beaten on first half goals when left exposed. Distributed well especially to wide areas and claimed well under pressure. Appeared to be taken by surprise on third goal with low shot

McCoughlin (6) — quiet game defended well and limited threat from crosses. Made efforts for a time early second half to instigate some good moves but touch looked rusty losing possession cheaply.

Glennon (6) — had ups and downs, delivered some superb crosses and unsettled with runs from deep but got brushed too easily off challenges and needs to step up his physicality.

Jameson (5) — off his game and concentration waivered several times allowing Bowman to get across him inside the box. Dealt well with aerial balls but needs show more teeth to win his first contacts

Clarke (7) — comfortably the most resilient defender. Took some kicks but stood his ground with mental determination. Cleared well under pressure and unlucky not to pinch winner late on.

Brennan (6) — did a job in the holding role but showed inexperience with needless booking. Adjusted well after and worked hard to deny space and make some good blocks.

Wildig (7) — best player on the pitch first 45 mins and needs to sustain his influence longer. Showed good vision with several decent passes and lit the torch with some snappy moves from deep.

Antwi (6) — played quite deep but had some good spells making some dynamic runs to link play well. was useful when he got on the ball, passed well throughout but saw little threat from shots

Kamwa (7) — gave problems throughout with his pace and ability to dribble with ease. Provided several decent crosses and not quite sure how he didn’t score with more shots per goal than any player

Baker-Richardson (6) — did his best in aerial duals to hold ball and offer cohesion but probably play too much back to goal and never really escaped the shackles.

Greaves (7) — excellent game, made some intelligent runs and went close several times either side of the half time taking his goal well. replaced early and impetus was lost.

SWOT ANALYSIS (Cheltenham Town)

Strengths — they were quick to stifle space and dealt well with crosses under pressure. Neat combinations final third and energy to exploit space

Weaknesses — both full backs pushed up high but they were always vulnerable. Defending left side was never comfortable and both centre backs either side of Bennett lacked composure with passes

Opportunities — they had spell first half where they gambled to press up higher which paid off for a time but got punished for overzealousness. Changes second half maintained freshness well.

Threats — Bowman outlet to keep ball and bring in other players. Colwill eye for a shot and made them tick. Laing was strong in air and went close on set pieces.

OFFICIALS

R Ricardo (8) — managed game well, keeping flow and got key decisions right

MAN OF THE MATCH

Joel Colwill (Cheltenham №16) — played just in behind and exploited gaps well with purposeful roaming runs which County found hard to track. Got the winner with bold shot from acute angle.

IF YOU WERE NELSON JARDIM WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Welcome to League Two.. County switched momentarily and were punished and there were signs pre-season they were did not offer resilience dealing with direct aerial balls and getting bullied off too many challenges. To their credit, County were much improved today and showed great spirit to respond after the 2 charitable goals which both came down the right side. Glennon shows plenty of promise with technical prowess supplying some fantastic crosses but two crucial slips today were costly and Jameson has too many moments where he switches off or allows space for players to hurt. County did create some good moves final third and will be heartened by their movement and crispness of play to open Cheltenham up and get shots on goal. County were on top early in second half with Bobby Kamwa always a problem for Cheltenham with his movement but County needed more right side and they did this for a time with McCloughlin and Greaves influential but appeared to take their foot of the gas when Greaves replaced early. The multiple changes worked better for Cheltenham and in the end County having to play injury time with ten men went against them. Next up is Leyton Orient away in the League Cup this Tuesday. The O’s lost their first game at home to Bolton and may make changes with a local derby coming up against Charlton this weekend. Orient will play a similar 4–2–3–1 system with Agyei the lone striker who is robust and has an eye for a snapshot. County may choose to rest some players with the Accrington game key on Saturday but they will need to maintain their work ethic and improve their concentration levels to punish at key moments.