Newport County

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Newport boss Christian Fuchs insists injuries are not a concern after defender Lee Jenkins came off with a shoulder problem in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against League Two leaders Bromley.

The extent of the injury is still unknown, with Fuchs saying Jenkins "is still being assessed".

"It's a shoulder injury," Fuchs added. "He was still able to continue but eventually the pain got too much for him."

County are still without joint top goalscorer Michael Spellman after the midfielder was forced off against Barnet earlier this month.

Spellman has made 33 appearances for the Exiles this season, scoring five goals, and Fuchs is confident he will make a return before the end of the season.

"I expect to have him back this season," said Fuchs.

"He's been a great player, he's been building confidence the last few years."

Despite the injury setbacks, the County manager believes there is enough depth in the squad and praised Ben Lloyd's efforts stepping in for Spellman.

"Ben [Lloyd] comes on and slots in perfectly, so I'm not worried at all," Fuchs added.

"That was a big part of our recruitment in the winter as well, to fill those spots, to have a good depth. Everybody that comes in has given it their all."

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Manager Christian Fuchs insists Newport County were unlucky to lose out to League Two leaders Bromley at Rodney Parade on Tuesday.

Bromley came into the game on the back of a 19-game unbeaten league run, but it was the home side who were largely in control of proceedings.

Despite a bright performance from Fuchs' side, however, former County player Corey Whitely lashed home the only goal late on, much to the despair of the Exile supporters.

"It was a great performance. When you look at the game, you could not tell who were first in the table," said Fuchs.

"I'm very proud of the team, the character that they played with and the intensity and the energy.

"They didn't deserve what they got at the end of the game, but it's one of those moments. We played really well and did not deserve to lose."

Defeat leaves County still looking nervously over their shoulder, as they sit just one point in front of the relegation zone.

Fuchs' team have eight games left in which to ensure they avoid relegation back to the National League.

Crucially, perhaps, they still have to play the division's bottom two sides, Harrogate and Barrow.

Fuchs says taking opportunities in front of goal will be key to Newport's survival bid.

"We should be more clinical with our chances, that's very clear. I think we have had chances in our last three games for three victories," he added.

"But, overall, I'm very proud of the boys and we need to build on this performance again."

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Striker James Crole says Newport County's players are looking up the League Two and not down after his late goal at Barnet secured a precious win for the relegation strugglers.

The 22-year-old's 83rd minute winner gave County a 2-1 triumph and, crucially, moved them out of the relegation zone with nine games of the season remaining.

It was Crole's first goal in the English Football League (EFL) after joining County from Cymru Premier side Penybont in January.

"It's a big moment for me. I've been dreaming about it - not even just since I came here - but for the last few years, to score my first goal in the EFL and the fact that it could be such a big goal in our season, it's a massive moment and I'm over the moon," Crole said.

"I came in to score goals and I probably haven't done that as much as I'd like to, I'm hoping I can kick on from this and take some momentum in to the next couple of games and do well for the rest of the season.

"The belief is there, every game we show fight, will and desire and we showed that second half [against Barnet], so we're out of the bottom two - hopefully we can start looking up rather than down."

County next face leaders Bromley at Rodney Parade on Tuesday 16 March (19:30 GMT).

"I think this team, on its day, is capable of beating anyone in the league," added Crole.

"We'll go in to every game with the mindset that we can win and that won't change against Bromley."

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Not only was James Crole "over the moon" with his first football league goal, it is one which could prove crucial in Newport County's quest for League Two survival.

Crole struck in the 83rd minute as County came from behind to beat play-off chasing Barnet 2-1.

The result lifted Christian Fuchs' side out of the relegation zone into 21st and two points above the relegation zone.

Former Penybont striker Crole, 22, joined County in January, along with winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, who set up his goal at Hive Stadium.

"I'm relieved in all honesty because I haven't done as well as I would have liked in my first few games," said Crole.

"Today (Saturday) I came on and made an impact, I was a nuisance, I obviously got my goal which is what I'm here to do.

"I've dreamed about the moment 100 times and it couldn't have really got much better, in front of the fans.

"I'm hoping now I can kick on and take some momentum into the next couple of games and do well for the rest of the season."

County have nine games left to secure their football league status for another season, starting with the visit of leaders Bromley to Rodney Parade on Tuesday (19:30 GMT).

"This team is capable of beating anyone in the league," said Crole.

"We'll go into every game with a mindset of 'we can win' and that won't change against Bromely.

"The belief is there. Every game we show fight, willing and desire, especially in that second half [against Barnet].

"We're out of the bottom two, now we can start looking up rather than down."

Ioan Griffiths

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County boss Christian Fuchs has called for unity at Newport as they look to avoid relegation back to the fifth tier for the first time since 2013.

The Exiles travel to play-off chasing Barnet on Saturday, 14 March (15:00 GMT) as they enter a crucial phase in their battle against relegation.

Despite a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Colchester last Saturday, Fuchs insists his team are going in the right direction and has urged supporters to back the team.

"I appeal to our fans to have our back and support us. We have one unit here that wants to work together, that wants the same outcome." Said Fuchs.

"Everybody wants us to be successful and we can only do this together.

"That one game knowing what the possibilities were in that game hurts a little bit, but that doesn't mean anything. It's not season-defining. We still have 10 games, and in those ten games we try to give our best."

County currently sit 23rd in the League Two table, but only trail 22nd place Barrow on goal difference.

The Exiles are staring down the barrel of relegation, and with just 10 fixtures left to play they need to continue grinding out results.

Despite their precarious position, Fuchs insists his players are in a "really good place" and is confident that they can survive.

"Since I've came in, whenever there has been a setback the boys have usually delivered a response. So I'm confident in them." Fuchs said

"When you look at the last six games, for example, we are sitting pretty well. So I think we're actually in a really good place. Obviously the last result always hurts and that's omnipresent with how you feel."

Fuchs also reiterated the importance of survival to him and his players.

"Survival is massive and we know that. We know it is our responsibility. There's a lot of energy out there, there's a lot of enthusiasm as well because they believe in themselves.

"They know what they have done lately and they just need to keep pushing forward and doing the right things."

Defender Lee Jenkins made his return from injury last Saturday, and he scored County's only goal with a towering header deep into injury time.

Fuchs stated the importance of squad depth and welcomed the return of former Cymru Premier central defender Jenkins.

"We had a couple of injury issues lately so it is good to have these players returning and being in full training." Fuchs said.

"This gives us the depth that we need, but also brings back some good quality for the team."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County's defeat to play-off hopefuls Colchester United was overshadowed by controversy, with manager Christian Fuchs left furious at a refereeing display he felt played a decisive role in the outcome.

While much of the attention centred on the serious injury to Colchester's on loan forward Micah Mbick, the frustration inside Rodney Parade was directed at referee Steven Copeland, who the home side felt was unwilling to intervene in a series of physical collisions by failing to produce a single yellow card.

For Newport, the key grievance came shortly before the hour mark.

Defender Cameron Evans appeared to be tripped by goal-scorer Harry Anderson in the build up to Colchester's opener, but Copeland waved play on, allowing Anderson to unleash an unnerving finish from outside the box.

Fuchs later said he could not understand "how the foul on Cam Evans cannot be called," feeling such decisions repeatedly disrupted his side's rhythm and contributed directly to the pivotal moments of the match.

Evans was earlier involved in the incident that led to Colchester forward Mbick being taken off on a stretcher following a crunching challenge in the 29th minute by the Newport full-back. Copeland waved play on.

Fuchs said: "Maybe the ref was affected by what happened in the first half (between Evans and Mbick) but nevertheless it's like every week I get different excuses why fouls are not being called and those excuses are completely invalid."

Though Copeland felt Evans had cleanly won the ball off Mbick, the trailing leg appeared to catch the forward, leaving Colchester's medical team immediately concerned and the forward was subsequently taken to hospital.

This incident meant it was not only the Exiles who walked away disappointed by the officiating as Colchester manager Danny Cowley was also "sick and tired of officials".

Cowley labelled Evans' tackle as "ridiculous" and claimed it was "so clear" that "excessive force" had been used with Evans "out of control".

He added: "The second foot, it's just knee high, it's a horrible tackle from the boy. I'm so angry with him [the referee]. I don't understand it. I don't understand it when their first job is player safety."

Colchester left south Wales with three crucial points to keep their promotion chase on track just four points behind seventh-placed Grimsby, but with Mbick, who had been one of the game's brightest threats before the injury, facing a spell on the sidelines, the victory came at a significant cost.

Whether Newport or Colchester United escalate their complaints remains to be seen, but the afternoon at Rodney Parade ended with widespread frustration and, for County fans, not just because of a disappointing score-line that saw them drop back into the relegation zone.

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Newport County manager Christian Fuchs says his players need to be more "proactive" after the Exiles lost 2-1 at home to Colchester on Saturday.

His side slipped back into the relegation zone after they failed to capitalize on an opportunity to win back-to-back home league games.

The Exiles' boss wants his players to be braver on the ball in future.

"I just don't want them to fall back into old patterns where you might be a little bit too relaxed after you have a couple of good games and get out of the bottom two," said Fuchs.

"Maybe it's the pressure that we need for them to perform which was in the past and which should not be the case, we need to be way more proactive rather than just reacting to what's happening on the pitch.

"We need to take the initiative and be a team that starts on the front foot, that starts being brave on the ball, and that was definitely missing in the first 30 [minutes]."

Colchester scored two goals in six second-half minutes to give the visitors the lead in what was a comfortable afternoon for Danny Cowley's side at Rodney Parade.

Despite a late Lee Jenkins consolation, it was a disappointing afternoon for County which leaves them staring down the barrel of relegation once more, as they sit 23rd in the table.

Despite this, Fuchs is still confident his side has what it takes to escape relegation to the National League.

"I have full faith in them, a hundred percent, they've shown that we can," he added.

"We need to be self-critical of what we have not done well but also what we have done well in the game.

"Not everything was bad in the game. There were positives that I can take away from it, especially in terms of the character that they showed.

"The boys again didn't give up. It didn't fall for us unfortunately but again we created chances and now we just need to keep pushing forward and try to be better from the get go."

Ioan Griffiths
BBC Sport Wales

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County boss Christian Fuchs insists his side have to "keep pushing forward" as they prepare to welcome Colchester United to Rodney Parade on Saturday, 7 March (15:00 GMT).

The Exiles claimed a vital victory at home on Tuesday when they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1, sparking wild celebrations between the fans and the players.

"I think everybody was looking forward to the game, I think there were certain expectations in the game that got a bit higher after Tranmere's red card," said Fuchs.

"The fans were massively important to us on Tuesday. The players also got to enjoy the moment as well."

County supporters will be hoping this result can be a catalyst for their survival as they moved out of the relegation zone and up to 22nd for the first time in 151 days after their midweek win.

Newport boss Fuchs praised his players mentality and is hoping County's good form continues.

"Now it's time to build on the momentum. The boys have bought in and you can tell," Fuchs said.

"When you look at the Fleetwood game, we had four or five players cramping up because they ran so much, they got up, shook it off and kept going, that's the mentality you need.

"It's a good time right now, a good place, but again we need to follow up on what they've built so far and keep pushing forward."

County's opponents on Saturday are 12th placed Colchester United, who are managed by former Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley.

The U's come into the clash having lost their last two league games, damaging their push for the play-offs.

Despite their superior league position, Fuchs says his side will be focusing on themselves.

"They are coming off a bad run so you'd obviously expect a reaction from them and they have some very decent players," he said.

"But again, it's another game for us where we have to look at ourselves. We need to get the basics right. Running, fighting, everything that it takes to earn your right to play.

"Every time we've done that we've put in a decent performance, that was the case on Tuesday. So I'm looking forward to seeing the boys out there on Saturday again."

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Newport County welcome fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers to Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT), in what is another vital game in their relegation battle.

County currently sit 24th in League Two, despite a hard fought 0-0 draw away at Fleetwood last time out.

Their opponents are on a poor run of form, Tranmere have lost their last three league games in a row, leaving them sat in 19th.

Despite this, Christian Fuchs insists his side are focusing on themselves and no one else.

"We know that we have it in our hands and we do not really care what the others do." Fuchs said.

"We need to make sure that we perform well, we need to show our resilience and obviously we want to be a bit more of a goal threat as well.

"If we just take care of own performance then I'm sure the results will come, but it's really nice to have a run of home games now as well."

After Tuesday's game The Exiles will welcome Colchester United for the second of their two home fixtures on the spin.

County will see this as a huge opportunity to push themselves up the table.

Boss Christian Fuchs believes his side's last two away performances will put them in good shape for the upcoming fixtures.

"From our last two away games we've walked away with four points, which has been incredible." Said Fuchs.

"They were two very similar games with two very similar pitches as well which did not help us.

"I think it showed the mentality of the group, they're a very good and caring group. They want to put this club in a better place and they want to fight for the badge."

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Former Wales striker Nathan Blake says staying at Rodney Parade would be vital for Newport County if they suffer relegation to the National League.

The Exiles, who are bottom of League Two, play at Rodney Parade under a lease agreement with stadium owners Dragons RFC.

"If they were stopped from playing there I'd fear for Newport, I really would. It's so important that they stay in the Football League if they can, " Blake told BBC Radio Wales.

"But if they can't stay up, staying at Rodney Parade would be the difference for me between them tumbling down the leagues and out of business or being able to attract players to help them back up."

Newport are currently two points from safety, but have picked up under former Premier League winner Christian Fuchs.

County have one of the lowest wage bills in League Two, and do not own their own stadium or training ground, and Exiles owner Huw Jenkins has warned that Newport face harsh financial realities in future.

"They don't have their own ground, they don't have their own training pitch, they don't have great new facilities, so attracting players is difficult because there's so much competition," said Blake

"Being able to attract players and quality players is so important, because they want to play on nice training grounds and nice pitches. If you haven't got those things it's a problem when you need to attract quality players to your club.

"Newport rugby saying that they'll continue to do business with County next season, I think it's vital. If I was Huw Jenkins I'd be thanking them big time."

County are next in action on Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT), as they welcome Tranmere Rovers to Rodney Parade in another crucial game in their battle against relegation.

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County captain Matt Baker is adamant that the League Two strugglers have the quality to survive and push even higher to "finish nearer mid-table" as the Exiles prepare to host Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT).

Despite sitting bottom of the table, 23-year old Baker says Newport can put a run of wins together to build confidence as they look to make it two unbeaten in the league for just the third time this season.

"We want to maintain our club's status. We are fully focused on doing that," said Baker, who has played every minute for County since 26 December, 2025.

"This is a great club. All we want is to keep the club up. This is the club that gave me my chance in senior football. We have fantastic support, with fans travelling home and away. It's time to give something back."

Despite County picking up only one win in eight league games, Baker remains confident County can survive, drawing on the run of a team like Shrewsbury Town as a reason for optimism.

The Shrews, now 17th, moved away from danger following a run of five wins in a row.

"It's about consistency and cutting out mistakes. League Two is a league where anyone can beat anybody. We need to be clinical and take our chances," said Baker.

"A run of wins gives you confidence. It's about being consistent and cutting out mistakes.

"I want us to finish nearer mid-table. I think it's possible - 100 percent."

Baker, who first joined Newport on loan from Stoke City in January 2023, has emerged as a leader even through multiple managerial changes.

The defender is a former Wales youth captain at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, but he credits former Newport skipper James Clarke as a major influence in shaping him as a leader.

"When I first came to Newport, Clarkey was a big help to me," said Baker.

"He was a great communicator and superb with younger lads. When he retired, I realised I would need to step into his boots."

The January transfer window saw the arrival of five new signings - most notably Sven Sprangler and Harrison Biggins in midfield and his now centre-back partner Ryan Delaney - but also saw the exit of Clarke, who retired from professional football.

"There was obviously a turnaround in the squad during January," said Baker.

"I think they [the new signings] have done their best to keep everything enjoyable and provide a positive environment.

"Everyone has bought into it and believes in it."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County will be looking to bounce back from a "disappointing" 2-0 loss to Cambridge United as they head to Fleetwood Town on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Stuck in the League Two relegation zone, manager Christian Fuchs insists that "every game is a cup game" from here on out, demanding total commitment.

"It must be our first nature to fight for every inch, to go after every ball, get stuck in and run for your life," he said.

Fuchs had only been in charge for five games prior to the last meeting of the two sides and expects "a very different game" this time around, largely due to challenging pitch conditions at Highbury Stadium.

"I've seen some of their recent games at home and it doesn't look good," Fuchs said.

"The pitch isn't really there to play football, but nevertheless we need to show bravery.

"They'll be coming over the flanks, delivering balls into the box. It's going to be a tough game, but a challenge we're definitely up for."

Fleetwood, chasing a third straight victory, will pose a stern test, but County are boosted by the return of midfielder Matt Smith and forward Bobby Kamwa.

But they will be without Tom Davies who was forced off in the 18th minute against Cambridge, leaving Anthony Driscoll-Glennon likely to start.

Fellow defender Lee Jenkins also remains sidelined after what Fuchs described as a "freak injury" in training.

"It's frustrating for Lee because he wants to be out there," said Fuchs.

"We need a player like him especially in games like Fleetwood with his physical presence and his ability to win duels, but everyone else needs to step up."

One recent positive has been the return of "big voice" forward Courtney Baker-Richardson.

"It was good to have him back especially in Salford, which was something that suited him well, getting stuck in there, getting the first-ball, the header, the second-balls, just being a body in there that competes," added Fuchs.

"I'm very happy to have him on board."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County manager Christian Fuchs has urged supporters to recognise the spirit his side are showing in defeat.

County's 2-0 loss at home Cambridge United was met with frustration and audible boos from the fans.

"It's always OK for fans to have their opinion, but I think they should also recognise what the boys have been through for the whole season," said Fuchs.

"And what they have shown in Salford and in those 60-65 minutes [against Cambridge] that they have probably defensively outworked a team that for me is one of the best teams in the league."

It took Cambridge until the 73rd minute to break County's resistance and it came following a change in formation, which Fuchs believes shows a "form of respect" as to how well his side did to dispel the U's attacking threat.

"Whoever steps on the field, whoever is there, tries to give everything for the club," Fuchs added.

"I've seen a lot of improvement already where we actually play real good football. I understand that performances are not necessarily equalling results, but if we don't perform, we don't give ourselves a chance to even get anything."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Despite Newport County sitting bottom of the football league, manager Christian Fuchs remains confident their fate is still in their own hands.

County have won just one of their last five League Two games, mainly against sides pushing for promtion, with the season now entering a crucial phase.

"The way we played over that stretch of five games was very competitive. I didn't feel we were misplaced or outplayed in any of them. We played our fair part and could have come away from every game with something," Fuchs said.

"Football-wise, we can compete against anybody. We know the league can change very quickly from one week to the other.

"Based on the games we've played so far, we still have it in our own hands. A good run of two or three games and the table looks completely different. It's important for us to have this life-line."

County's most recent league outing ended in a 2-0 defeat to Cambridge United, with two goals conceded in two second-half minutes.

Fuchs described that spell as "disappointing" and echoed assistant Mark Smith's call for players to show greater resilience and not feel "sorry for themselves".

"It's something we've addressed, and unfortunately it has been the story of our season," Fuchs said.

"When you go a goal down, that's when you need to push yourself even more and not put your head down. Feeling sorry for yourself should not be in the vocabulary in this business.

"You just need to go again and again. We still had 30 minutes to play. Some teams go 1-0 down in a Champions League final and turn it around in extra time. It happens, you just have to keep believing and push forward."

Despite his side's precarious position, former Premier League winners Fuchs retains full belief in his players.

"If I was to work with a team right now that actually walks away without any faith in themselves, without any belief that they can make something happen, that would be tough," he said, "but we created chances that should be goals. There's a lot of belief in the team."

Fuchs will be hoping his team kickstart their comeback when they travel to Fleetwood Town on Saturday, 28 February (15:00 GMT) looking to avenge their previous 2-0 defeat to the Fisherman in December.

Assistant manager Mark Smith says Newport County have "13 six-pointers" to play this season as they look to avoid relegation from League Two.

Christian Fuchs' side are bottom of the table and three points adrift of 22nd-placed Barrow - who have a game in hand - following their weekend home defeat to high-flying Cambridge United.

Speaking after the game, Smith said Newport players must not feel sorry for themselves.