Ciaran Brennan has called for Newport County to be more clinical at both ends of the pitch as they prepare for a League Two test at Rodney Parade. The Irish midfielder stressed the need for substance over sterile possession as The Exiles seek to climb from 19th place.
Speaking ahead of the match, Brennan acknowledged the challenge posed by Fleetwood Town, who arrived in south Wales unbeaten in their opening five league games. Newport's own form has been a concern, with just one win from their first six matches leaving them on five points. Their recent results show a pattern of three games without a victory, including a 1-0 defeat at Northampton Town last Saturday.
Home advantage key
Brennan believes the home crowd at Rodney Parade can be a decisive factor. "At home you can see it, we feed off the fans and the crowd," he said. The club aims to preserve their unbeaten home record this season, a foundation they will need to build upon.
Possession with purpose
The 26-year-old was frank in his assessment of the team's performances, noting they have had less than 50% possession in five of their six league outings. He argued that simply having the ball is not enough. "There's no point in having possession just to pass around the back. Fans don't pay to see that," Brennan stated. He recalled that as a child he never wanted to watch that style of play, preferring to see chances, crosses and shots on goal.
Brennan identified a recurring issue where the team would defend resolutely, win the ball back, and then immediately surrender possession again. He suggested a more patient approach is sometimes required. "We cannot be 100 miles an hour all the time and can sometimes just have a spell on the ball," he explained, adding that controlled possession can relieve pressure without being risk-averse.
Defensive partnership
The midfielder has started alongside Cameron Evans in central defence in all but one game this season. Brennan described Evans as a great lad and one of his closest pals at the club. "We are two honest lads who will run until we can't anymore," he said of their partnership. Manager Hayden Mullins will be relying on that defensive solidity as he looks to turn results around. The current standings show Newport seven points adrift of leaders Barnet.
Despite the recent run, Brennan insisted morale within the squad remains high. The team will look to get the crowd behind them from the first whistle against Fleetwood. Newport's last outing against the same opponents ended in a 1-1 draw just days ago, with Christian Doidge scoring for The Exiles. Brennan and his teammates are determined to turn draws into wins, starting with their next match at Rodney Parade.
