Newport County interim manager Chris Todd warned his side to stop handing opponents easy goals after a 4‑0 pre‑season loss to Reading at Rodney Parade on 8 July 2026. The Exiles’ defensive mistakes cost them a heavy defeat, and Todd stressed that similar errors must not return in the league campaign.
What went wrong?
Reading opened the scoring when Jacob Brown curled a quality finish past the Newport keeper. The second goal arrived when new signing Yahya Bamba lost possession near midfield, allowing Josh Stokes to finish a three‑pass move. A late double from Jerae Jones sealed the win as County failed to clear their lines. Todd called each concession a "terrible goal" and said the team "gifted" them, a sentiment echoed by the fans after the match.
Why it matters for Newport County
Last season the club let in 77 goals, many from their own errors, and Todd is determined to avoid a repeat. With the Exiles sitting 20th in England League Two after the 2025 season - 43 points from 12 wins, 7 draws and 27 losses - the margin for mistake is thin. The side has scored 48 goals while conceding 77 this season, a -29 goal difference that underlines the defensive work needed. A single win, like the 2‑1 victory over Barrow on 2 May 2026, can shift momentum, but consistency remains essential.
What can the team improve?
Todd highlighted a promising spell in the first half, noting that the team held its own and created chances. He pointed to Harrison Biggins’ teasing cross as a key moment that lacked a finishing touch. The manager believes that refining small details - such as better positioning and sharper decision‑making - will turn opportunities into goals. He also praised the recent two‑game winning run (WW) as a sign that the squad can respond positively when the basics are right.
What lies ahead?
The Exiles face an EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon on 8 August 2026 at 15:00 BST, a chance to test defensive solidity under pressure. Todd expects the team to build on the positives from the Reading game and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Looking further ahead, Newport County will host Tranmere Rovers on 29 August 2026, a fixture that could prove pivotal as the club strives to climb out of the relegation zone. The manager’s message is clear: cut the errors, seize the chances, and keep the Exiles competitive in League Two.
