Newport County's pre-season has been a mixed bag, with the Exiles suffering their first defeat of the summer against Gloucester City. The team, led by interim manager Chris Todd, has shown glimpses of promise, but consistency remains a concern.

What happened? The Exiles' first pre-season fixture saw them take on Bristol Manor Farm, with Lewis Jamieson scoring twice and Matt Smith also finding the back of the net. The team's next match against Newport City saw Shaquille Gwengwe score a second-half hat-trick, leading the Exiles to a 5-0 win. However, their friendly against Gloucester City saw them suffer their first defeat of the summer, despite taking the lead through Lee Jenkins.

Why it matters for Newport County The Exiles' pre-season has been marked by inconsistency, with the team struggling to find their footing. However, with the new season just around the corner, the team will be looking to build on their positive performances and avoid another battle to beat the drop.

What comes next? Next fixture: vs Crewe (at home, 2027-02-27) (5th in the table). The Exiles will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Gloucester City and continue their preparations for the new season. With the team's pre-season fixtures coming to a close, the focus will shift to the new season and the Exiles' bid to avoid relegation.