Welcome to Newport

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: Rodney Parade

Newport County 1(Palmer-Houlden 34)

Wrexham 0

Attendance: 9,537

Match Rating: ***

Form:

Newport County LWDLWDDDWW

Wrexham WDWLWWLWWW

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

Wrexham can go top of the league with a win and their line up still looks strong despite four changes so key County manage their threats. Fast start is imperative and not allow them to settle into a rhythm.

CONDITIONS

Cool, cloudy and breezy. Pitch in decent condition following hard frosts.

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT

Stuck to the gameplan, energetic, creative, worked hard on and off the ball

TURNING POINT

County were on top before the sending off but it impaired Wrexham’s response.

THE MATCH

County retained the same side that won their FA replay at Eastleigh mid-week employing a 3–5–2 formation to mirror Wrexham. County played into the keen wind first half and set a precedence with some determined early tackles with Lewis somewhat fortunate to escape a booking on right wing back Barnett. County maintained their drive with some good low passing patterns of the play to work opportunities either side of the box. On 6 minutes, there was a warning for Wrexham when McCloughlin skipped past McClean and dinked back a searching cross which flashed deep towards Evans who was stretching to head the ball and it drifted wide of the left post. County competed well in midfield with the central pair of Charsley, Wildig and Morris seeing the ball early to craft some decent moves and another cross on 10 minutes by Lewis was intercepted well by Cleworth. On 13 minutes, County won a free kick in a threatening position after Charsley prised the ball away from Lee inside the centre circle. His quick low pass found Morris who linked with Evans who drove forward near the “d” forcing Tozer into a clumsy tackle. Morris took the free kick but leant back with delivery scooping it well over the bar. Wrexham made efforts to test County with some direct balls in behind for Mullin and Darby but they overplayed some of the passes. County kept building pressure and Wrexham were dealt a blow on 18 minutes when a snappy low County move appeared to break right side of the area but despite centre back Boyle winning his tackle he went through recklessly high catching McCloughlin late. The referee didn’t appear to have a clear view of the incident but after consultation with the linesman Boyle went given a straight red card. Wrexham then had manager Phil Parkinson in the book for dissent contesting a decision with the referee. Wrexham made a tactical change on 23 minutes sacrificing Dalby up front and bringing on O’Connell as centre back to adjust to 5–4–1 with Mullin up-top. County kept pressing the right buttons limiting their touches well to keep possession and use the width of the pitch. On 28 minutes, they were close to the opener following a move across the face of the area and quick exchange Wildig directed his snapshot over the bar from 14 yards. On 30 minutes, a loose pass by County in midfield was seized upon by Mullin and he struck an ambitious volley from 35 yards which forced Townsend to recover but the safe was comfortable. Wrexham opted to play on the break with Lee dropping deeper to instigate some good moves picking neat passes right side and Barnett showed some prowess with crosses but County kept their focus to clear the danger. County kept pressing left side with Delaney doing well to support moves higher up the pitch in tandem with Lewis. On 34 minutes, it paid dividends with Delaney delivering a superb cross into the area which Palmer-Houlden anticipated well and his glancing header from 10 yards went into the top right corner beyond the grasp of Okonkwo. The game become a little heated for a time with some hearty battles in midfield and McClean was booked for clattering Morris from behind but his retaliation got him a booking as well. County had a measured spell of possession as half time approached with Wrexham lacking cohesion looking for hopeful runs of Mullen which were well marshalled by the County defence. On 40 minutes, County created an excellent move with McCloughlin directing a precise pass right side of the area for Morris to latch onto and his bold effort from 18 yard forced Okonkwo to parry the shot around the left post. County were rewarded with a series of corners on the stoke of half time which Wrexham managed to get safe but they were closer again on 45 minutes following a move from open play right side of the area. Wildig this time made the run and clipped back an excellent cross into the area and Delaney saw his header from 10 yards saved low down by the keeper in the left corner. Wrexham then responded to win a couple of free kicks and set pieces in first half injury which McClean delivered well but the County defence were resilient under pressure.

Wrexham started the second half with some conviction to push higher up the pitch as a unit. On 46 minutes, McClean jinked down the left flank and cut back a decent cross into the area which Mullin was quick to read but his header under pressure from 12 yards went over the bar. County maintained their strong work ethic especially up front with Palmer-Houlden and Evans pressing the Wrexham defenders well. On 50 minutes, County did well to force a mistake with McCloughlin hounded O’Connell and a loose pass and County quick to release Palmer-Houlden in space right side of the area but his shot from 12 yards went just wide of the right post. County constructed some snappy moves especially left side and were close again 55 minutes when Lewis combined well with Evans left side of the area but was adjudged offside by a marginal call. Evans then got himself in the book following the decision for kicking the ball away in frustration. On 60 minutes, County were close again with a move right side slicing through Wrexham and McCloughlin curled in a teasing cross which flashed deep and Lewis stole in timing his half volley from 14 yards well but Okonkwo showed safe hands again to save low down and hold the ball. Wrexham made another adjustment on 62 minutes Palmer coming on up front to replace centre back Cleworth as they switched to a more attacking 4–3–2. On 64 minutes, County were knocking the door for a second goal when Palmer-Houlden did well to retrieve a loose clearance by Wrexham right side of the area. From the byline he cut back a decent cross pinpointing the late run of Charsley who saw his first time effort from 10 yards pushed around the left post by Okonkwo. From the resulting corner left side by Wildig, Wrexham struggled to clear their lines effectively and Clarke met the ball first time from 16 yards but couldn’t keep his effort down although there appeared to be a deflection of Tozer. County then had Charsley for what showing distain with the decision. County made their first change soon after replacing Lewis with Bondswell. Wrexham had a better spell for a time forcing County into some untidy fouls and McClean again showed his capability with some testing crosses but the defence held firm. County made a double substitution on 75 minutes to pep up their game with Waite and Baker replacing Charsley and Wildig. County put Baker to centre back switching Bennett in central midfield which appeared to steady County again. On 80 minutes, County had another decent situation to kill the game off when Evans seized a loose ball right side of the area and cut back a low cross into the six yard box which Palmer-Houlden poked goalwards only for Tozer to make a good saving block to concede a corner. Wrexham made another change on 82 minutes with Bickerstaff on for Jones in midfield. Wrexham made efforts to push men on with Lee offering more verve left side but this left them vulnerable on times. On 85 minutes, a slick low move in transition by County saw Evans crudely taken out by O’Connell right side of the box and he was booked. Wrexham were lucky not have another player sent off on 87 minutes with O’Connell clipping the heels of Evans with a late tackle but the referee waved away appeals for a second yellow card. County kept plugging away in the 5 minutes of injury time with some bright moves but there was a flurry of bookings as County had both Waite and Townsend penalised for time wasting. Palmer was also booked for Wrexham for clumsy tackle on Clarke as he was clearing the danger and Palmer-Houlden for delaying a quickly taken free kick. Wrexham tested County with some direct kick outs from Okonkwo late in the 5 minutes of injury time but they were untroubled in gaining a deserved victory over their Welsh rivals.

Townsend (7) — directed some good kicks from deep especially after red card to stretch Wrexham defence. Had few if any clearcut shots to deal with, but dealt well with crosses under pressure

Lewis (7) — continuing to build match fitness, made some dynamic runs and provided depth with crosses testing defence. Made some good tackles and closed down threat well to limit crosses.

McCloughlin (8) — combined strongly first half working some cohesive moves and played some precise passes forward often under pressure. Provided good set pieces right side when not too floated

Delaney (8) — dealt well with balls in behind and mopped efficiently. Won his aerial duals and showed versality to come forward with ball at feet when invited. Brilliant cross on the goal.

Clarke (8) — kept concentration well and won his headers. Marked Mullin well and forced him into less threatening areas. Was strong dealing with ball when turned. Close on a couple of set pieces again

Bennett (7) — did a good job dropping deeper first half and limited threat with interceptions. Passed well and kept ball moving which was key and was composed slotting back in midfield.

Charsley (8) — worked well in tandem with Morris to dampen creativity offered forcing Lee to turn back deeper. Went close with later runs edge of the area and won some important tackles before fading

Morris (7) — improved his defending which was needed first half, winning back ball and using it effectively. Will be frustrated with a couple of chances in and around the box which he mistimed.

Wildig (8) — picked his battles well. competed well in the air and on the floor and was always thinking ahead with passes. made some menacing runs either side of area providing neat crosses.

Palmer-Houlden (8) — took up intelligent positions and showed again with the right delivery can finish difficult aerial chances. Missed easier chance on floor but kept up work ethic to unsettle defenders.

Evans (8) — work off ball was key not allowing O’Connell to settle and won useful free kicks high up pitch. Restricted on chances but close a few times back post and showed capability providing crosses

SWOT ANALYSIS (Wrexham)

Strengths — worked some useful crosses and delivery had impact. Dealt well with aerial balls and kept discipline with shape after sending off.

Weaknesses — lacked energy and cutting edge especially after sending relying too much on long hopeful balls. Gave away a lot of clumsy fouls, jumping in unnecessarily.

Opportunities — they were keen to use wide areas but found penetration harder after red card. Went to four at the back mid-way through second half which gave them more possession.

Threats — Mullin runs in behind, McClean crosses from dead ball, best moves went though Lee. Tozer long throws although limited well by County

OFFICIALS

S Maher (7) — had a record for dishing out cards and didn’t disappoint. Ignored some clear fouls but was heavy on penalising dissent. Let play flow well and offer advantnage.

MAN OF THE MATCH

James Clarke — has limited threat from Mullin in both games and was disciplined throughout. Offered no charity letting little goalside and positioned himself well throughout to deal with direct ball.

IF YOU WERE GRAHAM COUGHLAN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

County have gone on a nice little run since losing to Wrexham away in December and built some momentum through resilient defending and enterprise final third. Despite not creating a glut of chances they are getting their just rewards for endeavour and they closed down Wrexham very well today from front to back not allowing them to settle into any rhythm. They also calmed their threats quickly from open play, recovering well when turned in behind. County did concede some cheap fouls but the only real concern Wrexham caused today was from set pieces and long throws which they restricted really well. The midfield trio of Charsley, Morris and Wildig were pivotal, working well in tandem with plenty of craft and cuteness to shift Wrexham about which was effective after the sending off. County can improve on their connections in and around the area to finish off low crosses and get more shots per goal edge of the area. Next up County face Manchester United at home in the FA Cup 4th Round. United were without a game this weekend due to the Premiership sides having a mini winter break so will come into this game refreshed, but may opt for youth in some positions. United are likely to adopt a 4–2–3–1 formation irrespective of the team they start with Onana likely to be recalled in goal after international duty. County need to keep same work ethic to close down high up the pitch not allowing them to pass from deep by pressurising their centre backs when ball turned back inside. United have been very “Gung Ho” in some games this season, flooding players forward but do lack some collective defensive discipline, so key County are bold getting forward when United moves break down.