By David Roberts
Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim was a relieved man after his side took a vital step towards securing their League Two status.
The County boss was content with a tense 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Morecambe at Rodney Parade.
Jardim’s men had taken an early lead through Joe Thomas, only to see their advantage wiped out when substitute Gwion Edwards struck with 11 minutes left on the clock.
But David Ajiboye’s composed finish just three minutes later ensured the Exiles picked up back-to-back league wins for the first time in four months.
At the final whistle, Jardim could not hide his delight, knowing how significant the result could prove.
Back-to-back wins at Rodney Parade #OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/JFwU9SP1iK
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) February 4, 2025
His side moved 10 points clear of the bottom two, while Morecambe remain in 23rd place, three points from safety.
“We knew it was going to be difficult, they were tough to deal with,” said Jardim.
“We were brilliant in the first half and it was disappointing not to score another goal or two.
“In the second half we were trying to push, but you have to give credit to the opposition who are fighting for their lives.
“They pushed us with long balls, corners, throw-ins, but we have been ready to deal with this type of football.
“We did well and we were lucky to have a goalkeeper that kept us for the win.”
That goalkeeper was Nick Townsend, who produced a string of superb saves to deny Morecambe, particularly in the second half as the visitors ramped up the pressure.
Newport had taken control early on when 22-year-old Thomas netted his first senior goal in only his fourth league start.
️ “It was a big win. We knew that we needed it and it feels good.”
Nelson Jardim on tonights’s win ⤵️#OneClubOneCounty
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) February 4, 2025
The former Swansea City academy player had already forced Harry Burgoyne into a full-stretch save within the first minute before reacting quickest to a rebound from Bobby Kamwa’s shot to give his side the lead on eight minutes.
Morecambe, desperate for points, almost found a response before the break as Yann Songo’o rattled the bar and Hallam Hope’s header hit the underside of the woodwork.
After the interval, the visitors dominated, and the home crowd’s nervousness became evident.
Townsend made crucial stops to deny Marcus Dackers on multiple occasions, but Morecambe’s persistence finally paid off when Edwards bundled the ball home after a chaotic corner.
However, any joy for the visitors was short-lived, as Ajiboye latched onto Anthony Glennon’s lofted pass and produced a composed finish past Burgoyne to restore Newport’s lead and secure a priceless victory.
Morecambe manager Derek Adams was left frustrated by his team’s inability to turn their dominance into points.
“We lost a poor goal in the first half, but the second half was utter domination by ourselves,” Adams said.
“I think it was 25 attempts on goal, and we’ve got to score [more]. Their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves and won them the game.
“The defending was poor for their second goal, but we were the team that deserved to win the match and we’ve done that in the last two games against Newport.
“We shouldn’t have lost either game. We were better than them in both games, but you have to be able to put the ball in the back of the net and we couldn’t get the ball past their goalkeeper. He was outstanding.”