Read our talking points from Rodney Parade as Newport County made it back-to-back wins for the first time since March with a 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley.
After an early own goal by Sebastian Quirk, Shaun Whalley equalised for the Reds in the 38th minute. However, the Exiles proved to be the more clinical side in the second half.
A composed penalty from Courtney Baker-Richardson in the 52nd minute put County back in the lead, and Aaron Wildig sealed the victory with a well-taken finish in the 63rd minute, rounding off a successful afternoon in NP19.
Here are five things we spotted during the match…
A return for Bryn Morris
Following an injury to last week’s player of the match, Kai Whitmore, Bryn Morris made his much-anticipated return to Nelson Jardim’s starting XI.
Before Saturday afternoon, Morris had yet to feature under new head coach Jardim, and Newport fans were eager to see how the midfield maestro would adapt to the new philosophy at the club. Morris did not disappoint, leaving the field in the 60th minute with a flawless 100% tackle success rate and three recoveries.
The 28-year-old also played a pivotal role in Newport’s attacking efforts, completing five passes into the final third. Notably, his precise pass to Bobby Kamwa set the stage for the Exiles’ opening goal, showcasing his influence on the game.
Skipper leads by example
Captain Aaron Wildig delivered a standout performance in the Exiles’ 3-1 victory, leading by example until his substitution in the 88th minute.
Wildig left the field with an impressive 85% pass completion rate and capped off his stellar performance with a well-taken goal, seizing on a poor clearance from Accrington Stanley’s defence to score his first of the season and his ninth in Newport colours.
Recently appointed as captain alongside defender James Clarke, Wildig has consistently demonstrated his leadership qualities, with the Exiles showing remarkable fighting spirit in every game. Jardim has repeatedly praised both captains for their positive influence on the squad, expressing his appreciation for their commitment to guiding the team’s younger players.
CBR clinical from the spot again
Kamba’s tricky footwork earned him a foul in the box, setting up Baker-Richardson to confidently convert from the penalty spot once again.
In addition to scoring Newport’s second goal, Baker-Richardson played a crucial role in the Exiles’ opener. He won the ball back in the box and laid it off to Anthony Glennon, whose cross led to Shane McLoughlin’s deflected effort finding the back of the net.
Baker-Richardson’s commanding display earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award, continuing to impress in his second stint with the Exiles.
The striker expressed his delight at being back on the score sheet but emphasised his broader objectives, stating: "It’s great for me personally to be back amongst goals in my second spell, but it’s all about winning."
Back-to-back victories
The Exiles secured back-to-back league wins for the first time since March 2024.
Following last week's victory over Doncaster Rovers, Jardim’s Newport County earned their second win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Accrington Stanley at Rodney Parade.
Newport's strong performance against Doncaster had many wondering if the Exiles could maintain consistency in the coming weeks. While that question remains, there's no denying that Newport has taken a significant step in the right direction, battling hard to claim all three points against Accrington Stanley.
A double Evans Cameo
Cameron Evans and Kieron Evans were among the four substitutions made by Jardim on Saturday afternoon.
In the 60th minute, C. Evans came on to replace Morris in midfield and nearly made an immediate impact. The Welshman delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Cameron Antwi, who attempted to round the keeper but was stopped by the rushing Michael Kelly. Traditionally a defender, C. Evans was introduced to help secure the lead, which he did effectively, winning 67% of his ground duels (2/3) and making two key clearances.
K. Evans meanwhile, who joined from Cardiff City just a day earlier, was brought on in the 88th minute to a warm reception from the home supporters. His brief appearance was a prelude to the Exiles’ upcoming away trip to Morecambe next Saturday afternoon (3pm).