Salford City travel to South Wales tomorrow, looking to capitalise on a huge opportunity to kickstart their season against Newport County.
Despite Salford’s summer overhaul, heading into October the side’s inconsistent form, injury issue and League Two standing has cast a shadow over the start of their campaign. The need for a statement result is growing ever greater.
Karl Robinson’s men weathered a Tranmere Rovers storm as they battled to a 0-0 draw on Merseyside last Friday.
While the 44-year-old head coach spoke in glowing terms about his team’s defensive resilience and was “proud” of the effort his players showed to earn a point on the road, at the other end of the pitch The Ammies’ goalscoring problems are a growing cause of concern.
A third clean sheet of the season 🧼 pic.twitter.com/QU4jPXtkDq
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) September 28, 2024
Although Salford City are the division’s second-lowest scorers, having found the back of the net four times across their opening seven League matches to an extent the team’s attacking woes have been masked by excellent defensive performances.
With just six goals conceded, the backline – marshalled by September standout performer Stephen Negru – has provided cause for optimism in an otherwise bleak period.
Negru will have to be on top form again to contain a free-scoring Newport County side packed with attacking firepower, buoyant after an impressive 2-1 win against Crewe Alexandra.
Under Nelson Jardin, the Exiles have begun the season playing an attractive brand of front-footed football. In central midfielder Aaron Wildig Newport have a live threat from deep. The box-crashing 32-year-old is one goal away from equalling his four-goal tally from last season.
Leading the line, Courtney Baker-Richardson is a proven goal scorer at League Two level. The dynamic centre-forward scored ten goals last season for beaten play-off finalists Crewe, he will hope to achieve a similar feat this time around.
Through shrewd recruitment, Jardin appears to have one of the most capable attacking hands at his disposal. But high-risk football can come at a defensive cost, and Robinson will hope to take advantage of Newport’s proactive by threatening on the break.
In Kelley Nmai and Hakeeb Adelakun, Salford carry a threat in transition. Newport have been susceptible to quick counterattacks across their opening eight games and salford could look to profit on the counter.
Jardin’s men have conceded 16 goals already and they could be the perfect matchup for Salford City to rediscover their goalscoring touch.
Last season The Ammies completed a league double over Newport – while Robinson will hope to see his side blow their opponents away, he would be content with a repeat of Salford’s 1-0 win at Rodney Parade last April.
A win would see The Ammies leapfrog Newport and move into the top half of League Two. (19:45 pm Kick-off at Rodney Parade).
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