Resilience and spirit makes the point

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: Rodney Parade

Newport County 1 (McLoughlin 40)

Barrow 1 (Campbell 69 pen)

Attendance: 3,539

Match Rating: **

Form:

Newport County LWWLWWLDL

Barrow WLWDLDWL

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Barrow have invested in their squad this season and been difficult to break down. County have some players missing in midfield, so key they stay compact but use the ball efficiently final third

CONDITIONS

Cloudy, dull with keen breeze. Pitch played quick and in excellent condition.

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT

Well on top first half and showed fighting character in adversity to gain deserved point.

TURNING POINT

County losing Delaney on the stroke of half time.

THE MATCH

County were forced in one change with Charsley suffering from a knock and they introduced Lewis Payne from Southampton who has signed on season long loan. Payne went right back with McLoughlin liberated to a more advanced role right midfield. The early stages saw Barrow snappy in midfield seizing some loose balls and they made intentions to turn County around with Worrall making some strong runs right side at wing back in a 3–5–2 formation. On 5 minutes, Barrow worked a decent move right side with Spence releasing a low pass for Worrall right side and he checked his run back and was caught late by Delaney. In his first indiscretion the referee somewhat harshly booked him but the free kick right corner of the area was well defended by County. Barrow continued to probe in wide areas but County stepped up their aggression in midfield winning the ball and string some decent moves final third. On 8 minutes, Barrow threatened again right side when another ball was threaded quickly right side and Worrall delivered a decent first time cross which Proctor scooped over the bar at the front post. County opted with some direct balls to test Barrow with centre backs Ray and Canavan forced to turn back but they managed to recover and clear the danger. County then had Bennett in the book for his first real contact on 13 minutes clashing late on Canavan. County upped their efforts with some snappy moves right side to test Barrow involving Payne and McCloughlin. On 15 minutes, County worked a cross from the right side and despite it going deep and the situation looking under control by Barrow, Evans did well to close down a pass across the face of the area to Ray. Evans was quick to seize the loose ball and Ray caught him marginally late and the referee pointed to the spot. Bogle took penalty but his low effort crashed against the right post and drop to safety. County then had Morris booked for an innocuous challenge on White as the referee continued to punish the minimalist of contact. Barrow were more effective left side gaining penetration with wing back Tiensia offering extra yard of pace. On 26 minutes, Barrow countered well left side with Tiensia forced his way to byline. He cut back a decent cross which flashed deep and Worrall ghosted in back post but his effort was well blocked by Lewis. County ramped up their approach play right side with Tiensia forced deeper and a cute intricate move on 28 minutes saw McClouglin crudely checked by Canavan who was booked. County build some momentum as half time approached moving the ball low and efficiently. On 38 minutes, Lewis did well with a piercing run from deep and he cut through the middle. With the Barrow defence static, Lewis slipped a good pass left side for Bogle but his effort from an acute angle was well smothered by Barrow keeper Farman. County took a deserved lead on 40 minutes following an excellent move from deep right side instigated by Payne who picked out an intelligent run right side of the area. He caressed a precise pass inside into McCloughlin who lashed his shot expertly into the top right corner from 20 yards. Barrow made efforts to pick up their game with former County striker Dominic Telford getting more of the ball. On 43 minutes, County were dealt a blow when Delaney clipped Telford making a run left side of the area and despite no obvious threat the referee showed little empathy and sent Delaney off for a second yellow. County made an immediate tactical change with Drysdale come on in central defence and Waite was sacrificed. In the 7 minutes of injury time, County held out well offering a good shape and came closer to adding to their lead on 45+2 minutes following a quick throw by Payne right side of the area. He found Bogle who shook off a challenge by Canavan but his shot on the turn from 16 yards went just wide of the right post.

The early stages of the second half we scrappy with Barrow having more of the ball but failing to test County keeper Townsend. Barrow persisted with forcing play left side with Tiensia seeing plenty of the ball but Payne and Clarke were worked well in tandem to intercept and stifle crosses. County were forced into scraps with Bogle and Evans bright with their runs but County were struggling to make the ball stick final third. Barrow made a double substitution on the hour with Worrall and Spence being replaced by Gotts who went into midfield and Acquah who went up front in change of formation to 3–4–3. County responded with Payne being replaced by Seberry who went right back. County remained robust and dogged defending and made efforts to attack from deep. On 66 minutes, they had a great chance to extend their lead when Lewis slipped a good pass to find Evans who angled his run left side of the area. He chipped in a decent cross which Bogle read well at the front post but his first time volley was deflected over the bar by Ray. Barrow kept plugging away with some better retention and they got their reward on 69 minutes with a replica of the County penalty with Lewis jumping into a challenge on Gotts as he roamed right side of the area. Campbell took the penalty slotting low into the left corner with Townsend going the other way. Barrow made further changes soon after with Garner replacing Telford up top in a like for like change and former County midfielder Sam Foley replacing White. On 73 minutes, County were forced to defend deeply inside their own box and struggled to clear their lines effectively allowing Feeley a snapshot from 10 yards which Townsend parried away. County mounted a break following the effort only for Morris to be tackled late by Gotts who got a booking for his first real honest tackle. On 75 minutes, County won a corner right side following a good break from deep. The delivery by Lewis again caused problems for Barrow defending with Evans glancing on well for Drysdale back post and his powerful effort on the turn from 8 yards was intercepted by Ray. Barrow made another change on 78 minutes with former Welsh international James Chester replacing Canavan. County were forced to defend deeply with Barrow controlling possession with Foley playing in a deeper role to pick passes. County responded with a double substitution on 85 minutes with Bogle and McCloughlin replaced by Thomas and Bondswell. County had Evans down receiving attention on 89 minutes and it was a surprise he was not replaced. County dug in being forced to play 9 minutes injury time. Barrow had a half chance on 90+5 following a patient thoughtful move working the ball right side and Feeley delivered a deep cross into the area pinpointing Foley but his header drifted wide of the right post with Garner lurking. Barrow put in some crosses to test County deep in injury time and forced some late corners but County battled on stoutly to gain a deserved point.

Townsend (7) — kicked well first half using wind effectively, kept concentration and safe with hands. Made some good decisions on crosses when tested late on punching well under pressure

McCloughlin (8) — did a good job in more advanced role was sharp with his use of the ball and gave outlet varying his runs. Took his chance very well showing capability in and around the area.

Lewis (7) — marked well and was positionally aware timing runs well especially after sending off. Provided several excellent set pieces from free kicks and corners which deserved better.

Delaney (6) — got harsh early booking and was always on a knife edge with erratic referee. Dealt well with Proctor in aerial duals but distribution was a bit wayward. Replaced after sending off by:

Drysdale (7) — did well in the aerial duals but was a little slow dithering with some passes across the face of the area. Eased into the game and made some stern tackles. Went close from set piece.

Clarke (8) — gave assurance and covered danger well to clear winning some strong headers under pressure. Made several important interventions and clearances from Barrow crosses left side.

Payne (7) — was bright and bold with his passing thinking ahead. Put under some pressure by pace offered by Tiensia but was quick to support and instigated several decent moves right side.

Waite (7) — started brightly and did his best to support with runs right side and get close to Bogle. Missed out too many challenges with weak challenges and replaced early

Morris (7) — grew into the game, competed well and showed composure to pick passes. made some good angled runs left side picking gaps well and needs to get more shots in.

Bennett (7) — running on empty at the end. did an effective job to stifle and usher threat away from danger. Won his aerial duals and when he got on the ball used it cleverly.

Evans (7) — another one who managed to stick out the game but looked to be running on treacle by the end. Made some intelligent runs to link play and create but restricted on clearcut chances.

Bogle (7) — worked hard to retain ball when he had it and again given little protection again by the officials. Went close a couple of times from close range but will be disappointed with lax pen.

SWOT ANALYSIS (Barrow)

Strengths — they were fluid with the ball and wing backs were prominent in best moves. Defended box well and blocked danger. Ray made at least three key interceptions.

Weaknesses — midfield lacked physicality and cuteness with passes overplaying several passes. despite having a lot of the ball they lacked quality and cutting edge.

Opportunities — used wing backs effectively with 3–5–2 but switched to 3–4–3 second half. Went more direct and hopeful late on with first time crosses.

Threats — Tiensia offered drive and provided crosses left side, Worrall some decent crosses and late runs. Telford dropped deeper to pick passes.

OFFICIALS

M Coy (5) — waved cards around booking harshly. Poor reading of game was more frustrating and should have awarded foul on McCloughlin in lead up to the penalty.

MAN OF THE MATCH

James Clarke — was always there to cover and exterminated several runs left side by Tiensia keeping focus to cover. Played a key role in limiting threat and lead well after Delaney was replaced.

IF YOU WERE GRAHAM COUGHLAN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

County started somewhat slowly but once they started to get a measure of Barrow in midfield they had a very good spell from the time they missed the penalty up to the sending off. They offered more quality with their passing and created several low intricate moves with the excellent opening goal coming from good movement. Barrow offered threat when County were slow to react in midfield and they shifted low balls in behind to spin them around. Payne and McCloughlin worked well in tandem today and showed a good understanding to make the 4–5–1 formation effective in around the box. County were forced back after the sending off but they again showed immense character and stamina to stick the game out. A second County goal at any point today would have made the task very difficult for Barrow who were forced into making all their substitutions early. Next up is Bradford City at Rodney Parade who have struggled to ignite their season with former Welsh international manager Mark Hughes under pressure from fans. Bradford like Barrow have not conceded many goals but lacking cutting edge with top scorer Cook injured and rely on passing quality from Gillead. Bradford are likely to play 3–5–2 formation with heavy reliance of wing backs Halliday and Oduor to make crosses. County need to restrict the supply and not to play too much at the back to escape the Bradford press. Another match not for the purists, winning the second balls will be key.