By Paul Jones
James Rowberry has praised his Newport County side for their dedication after they strengthened their bid for promotion from League Two.
County climbed up into the automatic promotion places and could even go as high as second this week if they carry their current form into Tuesday and Friday night’s games against Carlisle and Hartlepool.
A 2-0 victory away at Stevenage has left Newport fans beginning to dream about achieving their goal of climbing back into the third tier of English football for the first time in 35 years.
Rob Street’s first league goal was the catalyst for his side as they made it six games in a row without defeat.
The 20-year-old on-loan Crystal Palace striker had to bide his time to get a chance to make the starting line-up and it took an injury to Courtney Baker-Richardson to open things up for him.
Rowberry then threw him in against Tranmere in tandem with Dom Telford and he has turned into a lucky charm.
Newport County win again! The Port are in the automatic promotion spots! The Ginger Cafu Haynes scores! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/M1Ebg81lvD
— Propaganda Wales🏴⚽️ (@PropagandaWales) March 12, 2022
His goal in the 48th minute made it three wins and a draw since he came into the side and a second goal from Ryan Haynes proved to be the icing on the cake.
“We underestimated the conditions in the first half and couldn’t really get our game going and felt as though things were stagnating,” said Rowberry.
“Then we got the first goal and went on to get a thoroughly deserved win.
“All I’ve asked from the players from the start was complete dedication and commitment and they’ve given me that.
“I’m delighted for Rob to get his first goal and it was a typical striker’s finish.
“There was also a great goal from Ryan as well and it was important to get that second goal. I’m also delighted we made it back-to-back clean sheets.”
Congratulations to Sonny Lewis who has been selected in the 🏴 U17 squad for next week’s #U17Euro Elite Round!#NCAFC🧡🖤 https://t.co/kEvWhPAO8X
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) March 14, 2022
County has now won three of their last four games and are unbeaten since February 8.
Rowberry’s side are away at Carlisle on Tuesday night and then at home to Hartlepool on Friday.
Newport are now ahead of fourth-placed Tramnere Rovers on goal difference and a point behind second-placed Northampton.