Chesterfield extended their unbeaten run in League Two to six matches, securing a 3-0 win over Newport County, their first victory at Rodney Parade in 55 years.
The Spireites capitalised on defensive errors from the home side to claim a comfortable triumph, leaving Newport reeling from a third consecutive defeat.
Newport’s defensive woes continue to be a major issue, as they now hold the unenviable record of having conceded 24 goals in just 12 games – the worst in the division. Chesterfield took full advantage of this fragility, with Dilan Markanday opening the scoring in less than a minute, followed by a late double from Will Grigg.
Chesterfield Strike Early and Capitalise on Mistakes
Chesterfield couldn’t have asked for a better start, as they stunned the Newport defence just 42 seconds into the match. A hopeful long ball was sent forward, and Markanday seized the opportunity when the Newport backline, particularly Kyle Jameson and goalkeeper Nick Townsend, failed to communicate. The on-loan Blackburn Rovers forward showed composure, calmly slotting the ball into the empty net from the edge of the area for his fourth goal in seven appearances.
The early goal set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for Newport, who struggled to mount a response throughout the first half. It wasn’t until after head coach Nelson Jardim made changes at half-time that the hosts began to show signs of life.
Despite their best efforts, including a dangerous low cross from Noah Mawene that Courtney Baker-Richardson failed to convert, Newport found themselves unable to find the back of the net. Mawene’s ball across the face of goal on 63 minutes was arguably Newport’s best chance, but Baker-Richardson couldn’t make the vital connection.
Newport’s Desperate Fightback Falls Short
As frustration mounted in the stands, Newport fans were left incensed in the 73rd minute when they believed Chesterfield goalkeeper Max Thompson had carried the ball over his own goal line while catching a tricky corner. Despite protests from players and fans alike, the officials did not award a goal, and the Spireites were spared what would have been a pivotal equaliser.
Just minutes later, Thompson’s luck held again as Kyle Hudlin’s attempted cross struck the post, leaving Newport inches away from levelling the score. However, those moments of pressure failed to yield a result for the home side, and Chesterfield soon punished their inability to capitalise.
Chesterfield sealed the game five minutes from time when substitute Grigg slid in to finish off a swift counter-attack, turning in Ollie Banks’ low cross with precision. The goal effectively ended any hopes of a Newport comeback, and their defensive issues were further exposed just three minutes later. Grigg added his second of the match, battling through the Newport defence to poke the ball past Townsend for his sixth goal of the season.
Jardim Laments “Unfair” Result
Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim expressed his frustration after the match, acknowledging that his team’s start had cost them dearly. “The way we started the game was just bad,” Jardim told BBC Sport Wales. “We were trying to get back into the game, but we didn’t find the best way to do it.”
Jardim felt Newport were unlucky not to score, particularly in the second half when they had a number of good chances. “We made improvements after the break, created chances, and it’s frustrating we didn’t score. Everyone tells me it was a goal when Thompson caught the ball – the players, the staff – and at that moment we were on top of the game.”
Despite Newport’s pressure in the latter stages, Jardim believed the final score was harsh on his side. “We lost a bit of focus trying to get the draw, and those two goals at the end were really unfair. Speaking with Paul Cook, he agreed that 3-0 was a bit much for the effort our boys put in.”
For Chesterfield, the victory extends their impressive run of form as they continue to climb the League Two table. Meanwhile, Jardim and Newport are left to address their alarming defensive issues as they look to recover from a challenging start to the season.
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