Nelson Jardim believes Newport County can take confidence from their battling performance in a physical 1-1 draw against Bromley at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles took the lead in the 32nd minute when Cameron Evans guided an Anthony Glennon corner into the net with a looping header.
However, they were pegged back in the 72nd minute as League Two’s top scorer, Michael Cheek, rose highest to nod home a pinpoint cross from substitute Cameron Congreve.
Despite surrendering the lead, Jardim was proud of how his team stood up to Bromley’s imposing style, especially given their struggles in recent weeks.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, they are a physical team,” said Jardim.
“From the beginning we could feel that energy from the fans. We have been on a difficult run, but they helped us and gave us the energy to stay competing and ready for that battle.
“We know we are a small team, we can see that when we lined up at the beginning, but I thought our boys did very well. They were organised and competed well.”
The result extends Newport’s winless run to three matches, but they remain 17th in League Two, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with six games left to play.
Bromley, who sit 13th, have earned a reputation as the league’s most dangerous side from set-pieces.
READ MORE: Nelson Jardim Has Run Out Of Patience With Newport County After Latest Feeble Display
Their aerial prowess was on full display when they put five past Newport in a Boxing Day encounter earlier this season, scoring three times from corners and once from a long throw.
Newport were nearly undone again in the opening minutes when Daniel Imray had the ball in the net, only to be flagged offside.
They survived another scare when Kamarl Grant’s fierce strike rattled the post.
Bromley piled on the pressure in the second half, but Newport’s defence stood firm until Cheek’s equaliser.
Jardim, while disappointed to drop points, acknowledged his team’s resilience in a tough contest.
“We had two or three moments where, with a little bit more quality, we could have broken into a counter-attacking situation, but it was a point in a tough league and from a tough game,” he said.
“When you don't win, there is disappointment, but there were positives. Hopefully, it will bring confidence to the players when it comes to these sorts of battles.”
READ MORE: Nelson’s Bad Column . . . Newport County Away Wins Tally Is Bad News For Boss Jardim
Newport now turn their attention to a crucial trip to bottom-placed Carlisle on Saturday, where they’ll face a side staring down relegation.
Mark Hughes’ team are nine points from safety with six games left, following a damaging midweek defeat to Chesterfield.
The Exiles will assess striker Courtney Baker-Richardson, who was forced off late against Bromley with a tight hamstring.
Kyle Hudlin has returned to training but is unlikely to play a full 90 minutes, meaning David Ajiboye could be deployed as a makeshift forward if Baker-Richardson is unavailable.
READ MORE: Mark Hughes Ready To Seize Wembley Chance With Bradford City
