County pegged back after Bogle brace

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: Rodney Parade

Newport County 2 (Bogle 77 pen, 90+1 )

Crewe Alexandra 2 (Adebisi 56, Brook 90+3)

Attendance: 4,915

Match Rating: ****

Form:

Newport County DWdWLWLWLW

Crewe Alexandra LLWWLWLLWW

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Improved form has seen Crewe take a few scalps in recent games. County have been on a win-lose-win sequence and focus will be needed to match their energy and play in their half to win set pieces.

CONDITIONS

Mild, dull with some light rain and keen breeze. EFL pitch of the season still in excellent condition and quick on top.

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT

Determined and persistent, lacked finesse to punish from several chances .

TURNING POINT

Match was a bit of a rollercoaster but County subs saw them finish stronger

THE MATCH

County made a few changes from the side that won 2–1 at Gillingham last weekend with Priestley Farquharson not in the team, Scott Bennett came back into central midfield with Cameron Norman dropping into central defence to cover and Aaron Lewis reverting to right wing back. There were also two changes with Nathan Moriah-Welsh and James Waite somewhat unfortunate to miss out with them on the bench in place of Adam Wildig and Harry Charsley. There was another change up front with Kiban Rai making his profession debut since graduating from the youth team in place of Charlie McNeil who was a substitute. On 2 minutes, County had a decent situation right side with Lewis pushing on right side of the area but his cross was cut out early. Crewe were able to shift play quickly to the left side, creating a good move in transition with Long threading a pass for Finnigan. He cut back a decent cross from the left side of the area which enticed Brook to stretch for but the shot was harmless. County were immediately on the front foot with a snappy move right side when Bogle pinched the ball off Crewe left back Finney. He roamed into space down the right channel and showed his pedigree to cross and pick out a smart run by Evans back post but he could only thrash his first time volley wide of the left post. County worked some decent low moves left with Evans and Rai showing a good understanding but Crewe were switched on defending their 18 yard box. Crewe were reliant on direct play using former County striker Courtney Baker-Richardson as an outlet with Long alert in finding the loose ball. On 15 minutes, Crewe worked a half chance left side when Long cut back a decent pass to Agyei right side of the area and his snapshot was tipped ono the bar by Townsend. County remained snappy in possession with some intricate long moves and they worked excellent move on 20 minutes which caught Crewe off-guard. Lewis beat Thomas to the ball and carry his run through the middle and combine with Rai before Lewis flicked an ambitious effort from inside the “d” which the keeper had covered. County kept pressing winning a series of corners with Bogle shaping some good moves and strength with his runs to the byline. On 26 minutes, County had a great chance to take the lead following a strong run by Norman right side of the area. He cut inside beating Finnigan with ease and drilled a low shot from an acute angle which the keeper Booth saw late but managed to safe with his legs. The rebound fell to Norman but his delay in passing to Evan inside the six yard box allowed Crewe to recover and block his shot. Crewe kept plugging away on the counter with Long roaming to pick passes but County managed the threat well. In the turnaround, County had a couple of chances to spring forward with Crewe pushing their full backs high but they were thwarted by some marginal offsides. Crewe had a better spell as half time approached assuming some better possession with some patient low moves. On 42 minutes, Agyei struck a snapshot from just outside the area but Townsend reacted well to save easily. Moments later, following the kick out, County lost the ball cheaply in midfield and Bennet was coaxed into an untidy foul on Finnigan as he broke through the middle to get a booking. County added to their corner count and were close in first half injury time when Wildig delivered a teasing cross which Norman met with a header which blocked. Wildig picked up the loose ball and whipped in another decent cross which pinpointed Bogle but the downward header from 8 yards went straight at Crewe keeper Booth.

County made a slow start to the second half with Crewe maintaining some better cohesion to their game. County snapped out of their shell on 52 minutes with Crewe full back Finney losing the ball cheaply just inside the County half. Bogle did well to angle his run in behind to exploit space and forced Thomas into an clumsy challenge which got him a booking. Crewe were forced into a change on 53 minutes with Long replaced by Tabiner. County responded with a double substitution moments later with McNeil and Kavanagh replacing Charsley and Rai. County switched to a 3–4–3 formation but were dealt a blow on 55 minutes when Crewe were quick to exploit gaps through the middle with Thomas finding right back Adebesi. He cut inside and hit a shot on his less favoured foot which caught napping and the shot from 30 yards nestled in the top left corner. County had a chance to readdress almost immediately with an excellent low move right side with McNeil doing well to link with Bogle and his pass inside found Lewis. He had a chance to shoot but picked out the late run of Evans in a better position but his effort from 8 yards went wide of the left post. County kept persevering right side putting pressure on the left back Finney. On 60 minutes, Norman did well to thread a low pass for McNeil who was forced wide near the right side of the area but the his shot was wide of the right post. County continued to probe away with Bogle doing well to fend of challenges and mould some good moves higher up the pitch. On 65 minutes, there was a warning for Crewe when Bogle won a free kick in decent position through the middle. With Bogle and Wildig on the ball, Bogle took the free kick but his effort was well over the bar. Crewe made another change soon after with Thomas replaced by Uwakwe. County made further changes on 69 minutes to freshen their pack with Waite and Moriah-Welsh replacing Bennett and Lewis. Waite was soon in the action when a long ball into Bogle from a County kick out was seized upon well. He took care of the ball to find McNeil only for his snapshot from 20 yards to be well blocked by Offord. On 72 minutes, with County forcing Crewe deeper, they edged closer with Waite again pivotal in sniping the ball. He slipped a quick pass to Bogle right side of the box but appeared to slip with a shot on the turn fizzing wide of the right post. Crewe were close to a second goal on 75 minutes when an efficient direct move saw Baker-Richardson given too much to time to pick a pass inside for Brook. He adjusted well to drill a low shot from 14 yards which crashed against the left post. County continued to add energy and they were back in the game moments later when a slick low move right side of the area saw Kavanagh force his way past Offord who cut his run up as he was just about to pull the trigger. Bogle stepped up to score with a comfortable low finish in the right corner with the keeper going the other way. Crewe were reeling and they made a triple change on 80 minutes to revitalise their game with Griffiths on for Finnigan, Williams on for Adebisi and Colkett for Baker-Richardson. County were energised and had a great chance for a second goal on 85 minutes with a decent move left side breaking through the press with Bogle slipping a pass in behind for Kavanagh. He raced goalside and went for a precise low finish but Booth reacted well to save with his legs. County kept pressing with forcing Crewe to defend deeply and were close again on 88 minutes when Waite dragged a snapshot from 14 yards wide of the right post. County took the lead on 90+1 minutes following a smart low move right side. McNeil did well to penetrate towards the byline and cut back a decent cross into the six yard. Kavanagh hit a shot on the turn which appeared to deflect off Bogle flatfooting the keeper. Crewe showed spirit to respond almost immediately following a direct ball left side which put Baker under aerial pressure. He denied Agyei but Crewe were quickest to turn County around and find Brook in space who had time to adjust with a shot curled into the left corner from 14 yards. County applied some late pressure with Kavanagh making some good runs to stretch Crewe left side. On 90+4 minutes, County worked a decent move right side with Bogle peeling away from a challenge to find McNeil right side of the area but the low shot in the right corner was held by the keeper. The game finished even which was a reflection of the game with County reflecting on several chances that went begging.

Townsend (6) — kicked well under pressure, getting accurate distance with kicks and safe with hand. Could have possibly done better with both goals seeing the ball late.

Norman (7) — did a good job in central defence, won majority of headers and distributed effectively. Got forward with some sporadic runs later in the game to add impetus right side.

Evans (6) — worked hard box to box making some good recovering challenges and competed well in the air. Missed three presentable chances with composure lacking to finish.

Baker (6) — put under some pressure in air from direct moves and brushed off the ball a bit lacking strength. Made some brave tackles to clear danger.

Demetriou (7) — was focussed in aerial challenges winning the ball early and stole forward to knit some decent moves left side. provided fair quota of long throws.

Wildig (7) — grew into the game, competed well and made some well timed supporting runs. Provided several decent crosses which deserved better from corners.

Charsley (6) — perhaps lacked his usual thrust and energy. Broke up threat well but played deeper today and offered less verve final third before being replaced early.

Bennett (6) — was alert to pick up the loose ball and directed some good moves from deep. dropped deeper after booking and replaced early.

Lewis (6) — had some good spells first half, forceful with his runs and linked well. went close with a couple of shots in and around the box before fading.

Bogle (8) — won’t want the season to close. Roamed and caused problems often without little protection setting up the best chances. Did well to angle runs in behind right side when space arose.

Rai (6) — very bright debut, offered plenty of energy and good touch under pressure. Not playing in his usual position but had a couple of shots blocked and may have scored with better timing of runs

SWOT ANALYSIS (Crewe Alexandra)

Strengths — composed side, thoughtful with their passes and varied their approach play with some dynamic moves from deep to keep County worked

Weaknesses — pressed up high and there was always a vulnerability in behind with full backs overzealous on times. Lacked height and got away with several set pieces

Opportunities — they were largely direct first half using Baker-Richardson and picking up bits and pieces. Forced to play lower late on but got reward off direct ball

Threats — Agyei was robust and eye for a shot. Long roamed and bright with passes. Baker-Richardson aerial prowess and Brooks quick with feet.

OFFICIALS

A Backhouse (7) — let much of the pulling and holding down go, but generally consistent and got key decisions right

MAN OF THE MATCH

Daniel Agyei — be surprised if he is not in L1 next season, nuisance all game never letting County defence rest and took up some intelligent positions. Best moves went through him despite not scoring.

IF YOU WERE GRAHAM COUGHLAN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

County end a challenging 2022/23 season in a match that perhaps typifies their up and down season and lack of consistency. However, since Coughlan took charge in October, County have improved collectively and their endeavours can never been faulted, beating some of the best sides in the league often revelling as the underdog but losing to strugglers playing with freedom. Both goals conceded today with atypical as they were cheap and out of the blue, but having over 20 shots, they were short on finesse and quality to punish Crewe who were marginally better in the boxes. County will need to face the challenge of turnover with some of the squad during the summer, but they don’t need to set it on par with the Terry Butcher regime. Recruitment needs to be better but keeping together the core of the side will be crucial with the off the field matters needing to be resolved soon.