MATCH REPORT: Swindon Town (0) v (2) Newport County

SWINDON TOWN suffered their third home defeat of the season as Newport County took all three points away from the County Ground in a two-nil away victory. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his match report from the County Ground.

Goals from Mark O’Brien and Jamille Matt saw Newport County emerge as deserved victors against Swindon as Town dropped to fifth in the League Two table. 

Little to no action in the opening ten minutes saw Dion Conroy’s 6th minute injury-forced substitution the only significant moment after the Swindon Captain came off worse in a 50/50 challenge with Newport’s Joss Labadie. Adam May his replacement.

Five consecutive corners in quick succession for County ought to have tested Swindon’s defence but a series of poor deliveries allowed Town to eventually clear their lines as Richie Wellens attempted to push his team forward. 

Swindon had to wait until the 14th minute to get a sight on goal as Lloyd Isgrove’s deep cross was met at the back-post by Kaiyne Woolery, only for the forward’s header on goal easily saved by Tom King. 

A competitive match between two teams pushing for promotion ensured the ball was constantly changing possession as both sets of players attempted to take control early on but with little to show for their efforts. 

Labadie’s first-time shot from 25-yards-out in the 19th minute went narrowly wide of McCormick’s goal before Isgrove raced up the other end to fire a shot goal wards that was well-saved at the near post by King. 

Chances for both teams made for an entertaining first-half but the removal of Conroy caused havoc amongst Town’s back line as Newport’s sixth corner of the match saw defender Mark O’Brien left unmarked at the back-post with his free-header giving County the lead. 

Swindon attempted to respond but the Robins inability to link passes together in midfield allowed Newport to defend their lead with ease as Swindon offered little attacking threat.

The goal appeared to instil confidence in Michael Flynn’s side and a chance for McNamara in the 42nd minute nearly doubled their advantage as the right-back’s header at the far post was put just wide of the Swindon goal. 

Isgrove’s solo run on the stroke of half-time offered Town a glimmer of hope but the forwards shot was put wide as Newport went in at half-time with their lead intact. 

Swindon emerged from the interval looking to make quick inroads into Newport’s lead and Richie Wellens’ team-talk appeared to cause an immediate reaction as the Town players upped the tempo with wave after wave of attack.

A delicate chip to the back-post by Isgrove in the 51st minute narrowly avoided the head of Yates, as just ten minutes later the winger hit the bar after being found unmarked in the six-yard box by Hunt’s low cross. He should’ve scored and Swindon were left questioning their missed opportunities.

After a disappointing first-half, Swindon looked the superior side but a series of questionable decisions by referee David Rock broke the game up, allowing Newport to regather as Town pressed forward.

Better play from Town saw them make significant ground down the right-wing as Isgrove and Iandolo linked up well, but poor deliveries into the box saw Newport clear easily. 

Michael Flynn’s Newport appeared content with their lead as the visitors sat deep with men behind the ball and attempting to play on the counter-attack. 

Michael Doughty’s 70th minute introduction added quality to Town’s game in the final third that they were missing as Town pressed forward going in search of an equaliser. 

Having committed men forward as Swindon went on the charge, there were gaps left at the back of the Town defence. 

Despite not having many chances in the second-half, Newport capitalised on their goal in the  81st minute as Jamille Matt outmuscled Tyler Reid to latch onto the end of a Padraig Amond cross, making it two-nil and all but wrapping up three points. 

The goal against the run of play conceded Swindon to their third home loss of the season as Richie Wellens’ side was made to rue missed chances with Newport County running out deserved winners in front of a packed County Ground.