Chesterfield secured a comprehensive 3-0 win over Newport County, ending a 55-year drought at Rodney Parade and extending their unbeaten run in League Two to six matches.
The Spireites capitalised on a series of defensive lapses from Newport, who are now enduring their third straight defeat. However, head coach Nelson Jardim believes the result was ‘harsh’ on his ailing side, who have now lost three games in a row.
Newport’s defensive struggles continue to haunt them, with the club having conceded 24 goals in 12 games, the worst record in the division. Chesterfield took full advantage, striking early through Dilan Markanday and adding two late goals from Will Grigg to seal a comfortable victory.
Chesterfield Strike Early, Newport Left Reeling
Chesterfield couldn’t have started better, taking the lead within 42 seconds. A long ball forward caused confusion between Newport defender Kyle Jameson and goalkeeper Nick Townsend, allowing Markanday to calmly finish into an open net. The Blackburn Rovers loanee’s fourth goal in seven matches set the tone for what would be a frustrating day for the home side.
Newport struggled to respond, failing to pose a threat in a disjointed first half. It wasn’t until after halftime, following some tactical changes by head coach Nelson Jardim, that the home side showed signs of improvement. Even so, their best chance came in the 63rd minute when Courtney Baker-Richardson failed to connect with a dangerous low cross from Noah Mawene.
As the game wore on, Newport found themselves unable to break down Chesterfield’s organised defence, and a series of missed chances would ultimately cost them dearly.
Full-time at Rodney Parade. #OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/W3G1JFaMy7
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) October 18, 2024
Grigg Strikes Late to Seal the Win
Newport’s frustrations grew as they pushed for an equaliser. The home crowd thought they had scored in the 73rd minute when Chesterfield goalkeeper Max Thompson appeared to carry the ball over the line while dealing with a tricky corner. However, no goal was awarded, despite protests from Newport players and fans.
Minutes later, Newport’s hopes were dashed when Kyle Hudlin’s cross struck the post, keeping the scoreline in Chesterfield’s favour. From there, Chesterfield made the most of their opportunities on the counter-attack.
Grigg, who came on as a substitute, finished off a well-worked move in the 85th minute, sliding in to convert Ollie Banks’ low cross. Just three minutes later, Grigg added his second, shaking off Newport’s defenders and sending a scruffy shot past Townsend, bringing his tally to six goals this season and wrapping up a comfortable win for the Spireites.
“We started the game badly, and that cost us,” Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim told BBC Sport Wales. “In the second half, we improved and created chances, but we didn’t take them. It’s frustrating because I believe we deserved more, especially after that moment with the goalkeeper. Speaking with Paul Cook, he agreed 3-0 was harsh given our effort.”
