By David Williams
Newport County manager Nelson Jardim insists he remains optimistic over his team’s progress this season despite a fourth defeat in six matches.
County have dropped to 10th place in League Two after a 3-1 defeat at Bradford City that enabled the home club to leapfrog Jardim’s team in the table.
🗣️ "Overall, I didn't think it was a two-goal difference game. It's a defeat but there's a lot of positives that I've seen.”
Nelson Jardim’s reaction ⤵️#OneClubOneCounty
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) October 7, 2024
But the Portuguese boss insisted the team can build on their performance, even though their momentum from back-to-back wins has been stalled.
“I did not think it was a game where there was a two-goal difference but we have to learn and look forward,” said Jardim.
“But if we play like we did here consistently, I am very positive about the future.
“That was definitely a frustrating night, especially the way the boys played. I just have to be proud of the effort they put in, after conceding a goal coming back second half when we thought we were the better team.
“When we were drawing the game in the second half, I was feeling we could actually score the second, but on a little detail we conceded that second goal which made it more difficult for us.
“Overall, I am proud of the boys. I think we can definitely see improvements in our game away from home. We were dominating and managing it better but we just have to keep building.
Defeat in Bradford. #OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/A36Q6IpsUE
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) October 7, 2024
Bradford registered their first league win in five games with two second-half goals at Valley Parade.
Newport came into the contest with back-to-back wins and threatened early on through 6ft 9in striker Kyle Hudlin.
Andy Cook’s header was saved by Nick Townsend at the other end but Newport should have gone ahead after 32 minutes. Bobby Kamwa’s cross picked out Aaron Wildig at the far post but the skipper scuffed the chance of a fifth goal in seven games.
Kyle HUDLIN with conviction! 😤
It's two in two games for Hudlin as Newport County equalise 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7yKOoulUQZ
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 7, 2024
Townsend saved well from Jamie Walker but had no chance with Bradford’s 39th-minute goal, Cook angling a powerful header home from Jay Benn’s cross.
Newport began the second half on the front foot as Hudlin rattled a 20-yarder just wide and Kieran Evans’ flicked header flashed past a post.
The equaliser came after 65 minutes with Evans picking out Hudlin to head past Sam Walker.
Jamie Walker struck 10 minutes later, converting Bobby Pointon’s cross with the help of a deflection.
And substitute Pointon claimed a third after being set up by Benn.
The result lifts Bradford up to ninth in League Two, ahead of Newport on goal difference.
Three points secured! 😁#BCAFC | #BRAvNEW | @OFFICEINTERIOR5 pic.twitter.com/fByaUbDb1F
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) October 7, 2024