Newport County's eight-game unbeaten run in League Two ended with a 1-0 home defeat to Cheltenham Town on Saturday. Charlie McCann scored the only goal after five minutes at Rodney Parade, a result that leaves the Exiles 12th in the table with 15 points from 12 games, having recorded three wins and six draws from those matches.
Cheltenham's Jake Evans assisted the early strike, which proved decisive. Newport County, who had not lost in the league since late August, responded with pressure but could not find an equaliser. Harrison Biggins missed a penalty in the 61st minute, his effort saved by Cheltenham goalkeeper Wyll Stanway. The team's recent form now reads one win, three draws and one loss from their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 2-2 draw at Rotherham where Biggins scored a penalty and Gerard Garner netted, and a 1-1 home draw with York.
Key moments
Michael Adu-Poku and Gerard Garner were booked in the first half for fouls. Smith was later cautioned for a foul himself.
Jake Evans received a yellow card for time-wasting early in the second half. Newport County created several late chances, with Kyle Cameron forcing a save in the first half and Adu-Poku firing wide from distance in the 86th minute. A Lee Jenkins header from a Matt Smith corner also failed to find the target.
The defeat halts a positive run of form that had seen Newport County take eight points from their previous five matches. They have scored 16 goals and conceded 15 this season, leaving them with a goal difference of plus one and ten points behind the league leaders, Salford City. They now turn their focus to a home fixture against ninth-placed Chesterfield this Friday. The match at Rodney Parade kicks off at 19:45.
On October 25, Newport County manager Graham Coughlan confirmed the club has been charged by the Football Association for failing to control its players during the 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham. The charge relates to the reaction to the penalty decision awarded in the 61st minute. The club has until October 30 to respond. Newport, now 16th in League Two with 15 points from 13 games, next face Chesterfield at home.
