Nelson Jardim did not hold back in his criticism of Newport County’s display after they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Doncaster Rovers, labeling the performance as ‘not good enough’.
The Exiles were second-best throughout at Eco-Power Stadium, as the promotion-chasing hosts dominated proceedings and could have won by an even greater margin with better finishing.
Jardim’s men are still well clear of the relegation scrap, but back-to-back defeats have underlined their inconsistency this season and they remain in lower mid-table in League Two.
Rob Street, a former Newport loanee, opened the scoring in the 34th minute when County failed to clear a corner, allowing him to convert from close range.
Just moments into the second half, he doubled his tally, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Kyle Jameson, who had been recalled to the starting XI.
Luke Molyneux, a constant threat, sealed the victory in the 78th minute, rifling home a well-placed volley across goal into the bottom corner.
“It was a very difficult afternoon and we were just not good enough,” said Jardim. “The way that we conceded goals was just not good enough.
“We lost focus and we have to get back to the minimum level it is needed to compete. I couldn’t say that anybody had a good day.
“From the first half you could see that the competition and aggression that you need to have at this level was not there. Every 50/50 we lost, every duel we lost.
“We conceded goals from individual mistakes and that is costing us – some of the goals we are conceding are unbelievable. We lost one v one situations and you cannot have that level of performance.
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“We have to analyse and make sure we are stronger on Tuesday because it’s a massive game against Gillingham and we have to compete.”
Jardim, typically composed in his post-match assessments, was visibly frustrated by his team’s performance.
County were forced to play without a recognized striker, with wingers Bobby Kamwa and David Ajiboye deployed in advanced roles due to Courtney Baker-Richardson’s suspension.
However, the head coach refused to use that as an excuse. “We didn’t have a striker but I don’t want to use that as a sole excuse for this. That was us not being good enough, as simple as that. I am not going to find excuses.”
Despite the setback, Newport remain clear of the relegation battle, maintaining a 14-point cushion over 23rd-placed Morecambe with a game in hand.
However, back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Cheltenham and Doncaster have halted their momentum following a six-game unbeaten run. A response will be needed when they host Gillingham at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night.
Doncaster, meanwhile, continue their push for automatic promotion, holding onto third place in League Two with a three-point lead over fourth-placed Notts County.
