NEWPORT County AFC held League Two leaders Doncaster Rovers to a 0-0 draw on a sand-covered Rodney Parade pitch last night. Here's what we learned...
1. We shall fight on the beaches
The pitch looked worse than ever with more sand than grass on view but there was plenty of blood, toil, tears, and sweat from the Exiles and many would claim this was their finest hour.
To match the league leaders shows how far this team has progressed since the turn of the year and demonstrated once again that even the best teams in the division will struggle to shine at Rodney Parade.
2. Maximum effort from Maxime
French free agent Blanchard was only signed up hours before kick-off having trained with the squad over the past few days and, having not played a competitive game since last summer, he did not expect to play 90 minutes against Doncaster.
But injuries to captain Scot Bennett and fellow midfielder Sean Rigg left a hole in the middle of the side and Blanchard filled it perfectly with a neat and tidy performance alongside the more eye-catching Mitch Rose.
He may not be around for long but he will do a good job in the short-term for Graham Westley's new-look team.
3. Three is the magic number
Darren Jones (above), who took the captain’s armband for the night, Sid Nelson and Mark O’Brien have formed a tight unit at the back for the Exiles and a clean sheet against the table toppers was another big boost.
The trio had to withstand a lot of pressure as Doncaster pushed hard for a winner in the second half but they held firm and if they can keep John Marquis and Andy Williams quiet then no other strikeforce in the division need hold any fears for the County defence.
4. Pressure on Orient and the Magpies
Three points would have taken Westley’s men out of the bottom two for the first time since November and really put the heat Leyton Orient and Notts County.
But a point against the leaders is more than their relegation rivals would have expected the Exiles to take and a run of five games without defeat will have the other sides glancing over their shoulders ahead of today’s matches.
5. Grimsby won’t relish Valentine’s Day trip
Top scorer Omar Bogle has gone and the Mariners have won only one of their last four games to slip off the play-off pace.
And, with the Doncaster players and manager complaining about the Rodney Parade pitch, Grimsby won’t be looking forward to the long trip to south Wales.
“It’s difficult to create chances on that pitch, it’s horrendous,” said Donny boss Darren Ferguson, which all helps to get the next visitors into a negative frame of mind even before they set the sat nav for NP19.
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