Newport County were defeated 2-1 by Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon, despite a spirited late rally.
Rovers struck twice with goals from Connor Jennings just before half-time and Kieran Morris early in the second half.
County did pull one back late on, with Kyle Hudlin heading in a consolation goal, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a second consecutive defeat.
The Exiles’ cause was further hampered by Kyle Jameson’s dismissal late in the game after receiving a second yellow card, as Tranmere claimed their second home victory of the season.
Head Coach Nelson Jardim made four changes to the side that was eliminated from the Emirates FA Cup by Peterborough United last weekend, with Michael Spellman, Aaron Wildig, Bryn Morris, and Bobby Kamwa all returning to the starting lineup.
The game began at a high tempo, with Newport almost taking the lead early on. Jameson, making his return to Prenton Park, thought he had scored after meeting a superb in-swinging delivery from Spellman, but his header was ruled out for offside.
Twenty minutes into the game, Bryn Morris had a long-range effort deflected wide after intercepting a loose pass in Tranmere’s defence. On the other end, Kieran Morris tested Nick Townsend with a speculative volley that flew just over the bar.
Tranmere started to grow into the game and came close to scoring when Regan Hendry’s powerful 25-yard strike forced Townsend into a smart save. Moments later, two dangerous corners for the hosts had the Newport goalkeeper scrambling, but he stood firm, winning a foul from Omari Patrick in the process.
After weathering this pressure, Newport countered well, with Bobby Kamwa making a strong run down the left wing and delivering a dangerous low cross. Unfortunately, no one could get on the end of it, and the opportunity went begging.
However, it was Tranmere who struck first, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Newport. A looping ball over the top found Ciaran Brennan, whose header into the path of Connor Jennings allowed the forward to dink the ball past Townsend and into the net to open the scoring.
Just before the break, Kamwa tried to level things up for the Exiles, shifting inside from the left and curling an effort narrowly wide of the post after being found in space by Bryn Morris.
The second half started quietly, with neither side creating any clear chances in the first five minutes. Spellman fired a shot over McGee’s goal from range as Newport sought to get back into the match.
Tranmere doubled their lead in the 58th minute. Luke Norris was denied by a fantastic save from Townsend, but the ball fell kindly to Kieran Morris, who tapped in from close range to make it 2-0.
Looking to add more attacking impetus, Jardim introduced Courtney Baker-Richardson in place of Spellman, moving to a two-striker system.
Baker-Richardson’s presence made an immediate impact, with the forward heading down a Morris cross into the path of Matt Baker, whose goal-bound shot was blocked.
The forward continued to be a threat, using his hold-up play to bring others into the game. He played a key role in setting up Jamie Miley, whose deep cross was forced behind by Tranmere’s defence.
With time running out, Newport pushed forward and pulled one back in the 83rd minute. A well-delivered cross from Bryn Morris found Hudlin in the box, and the big striker rose to head the ball into the left corner of the goal, giving the Exiles a glimmer of hope.
Tranmere nearly sealed the win in the dying moments when Luke Norris’ free-kick deflected off the wall and struck the post, but Newport’s hopes were dashed moments later when Jameson was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge, reducing the Exiles to ten men.
Full-Time
Newport County return to action on Tuesday evening with a trip to Reading in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy (7pm).
Newport County Starting XI: Townsend, C. Evans, Baker (McLoughlin 90’), Jameson, Brennan, Morris, Miley (K. Evans 90’), Wildig (C) (Whitmore 79’), Kamwa, Hudlin, Spellman (Baker-Richardson 64’).
Substitutes: Carney, Clarke, Greaves.
Tranmere Rovers Starting XI: McGee, Norman (O’Connor 46’), Davies (C), Turnbull, Wood, Morris, Hendry, Finley, Patrick (Davison 90’), Jennings, Norris (Hawkes 90’).
Substitutes: Murphy, Bradshaw, Solomon, Saunders.
