Take a look back at how the Exiles managed to negotiate February unbeaten.
It was a month of three’s for Newport County in February as they played three games, scored three goals and there were three goals for Scott Boden in the process. It was another month for County, similarly to November, in which they went unbeaten and they managed seven points from a possible nine in the league.
Saturday 13th February 2016 – Carlisle United (H) – Won 1-0 – 20th position – 30 points
Scott Boden’s first of the month was the difference when Carlisle United made the long trip to South Wales, as the striker tapped in Alex Rodman’s set-up ten minutes into the second half. It was a game which County completely dominated and they limited Carlisle to only a single shot on target throughout the contest as the visitors were reduced to ten men in the final minute of the game, when Brandon Conley was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Saturday 20th February 2016 – Exeter City (A) – Drew 1-1 – 20th position – 31 points
Conor Wilkinson hit the post twice in the first half away at Exeter City but was unable to find the net as the sides went into the break goalless with County feeling as though they should be leading. The home side took the lead five minutes into the second half through Jordan Tillson when he got on the end of a free-kick, but it was Scott Boden again that levelled the game for Newport, he headed in from close range with five minutes to go to give the Exiles a point.
Saturday 27th February 2016 – Mansfield Town (H) – Won 1-0 – 19th position – 34 points
A late goal for Boden was the only goal of the game against Mansfield Town to move Newport up to 19th in the league and eight points clear of the relegation zone. The Stags had a goal disallowed in the second half in an even game as both sides struggled to create any real threats on goal, but it was County who took the three points as a busy month lay ahead.
Round Up
Seven points from nine for Newport County in February had put a bit of breathing space between themselves and the bottom two, but everyone around Rodney Parade knew that that could all be undone in March. With all of the postponed fixtures over the last two months being rescheduled for March, County played a total of eight games in 27 days as the player’s fitness and Warren Feeney’s squad depth were tested to the limit, late on in the season.