Pressure building on Warren Feeney

The pressure seems to be piling on for Newport County manager Warren Feeney, his side booed off following a 2-1 defeat to bottom side Cambridge United.

Following the defeat against Doncaster, Newport made three changes with Jamie Turley, Darren Jones and Joss Labadie all struggling with knocks. In came Newcastle loanee Kyle Cameron, Paul Bignot and Cardiff City loanee Rhys Healey

First Half

In a nice change Newport took the lead, with Cardiff loanee Rhys Healey taking advantage of some slack defending to head home after a cross from Reece Grego-Cox. County had started well and throughout the first half pushed hard to double their lead. The front line of Healey, Rigg and Grego-Cox were playing well off of Parkin, who worked tirelessly to bring others into play. Parkin had the best chance to double Newport’s lead just before half time but his powerful header was saved well by Norris in the Cambridge goal.

Second Half

Newport started the stronger in the second half with Parkin going close again. But his half volley from outside the box sailed just wide of the far post. However, on the hour mark Cambridge drew level. Former Newport player Medy Elito, who had been booed throughout the game, sent in a free-kick to Uche Ikpeazu who powered home a header from five yards out.

Newport seemed stunned but pushed forward looking to regain the lead. First Randall had a go from distance and Grego-Cox forced Norris into a save. Kyle Cameron then had a free header from a Grego-Cox corner but his effort went harmlessly over.

But late on it was heartbreak for Newport. Elito sent another long freekick into the box where after a goalmouth scramble Luke Berry fired home from six yards out. Newport looked out of ideas and as the six minutes of injury time counted down, failed to break down the determined defence of Cambridge.

As the final whistle blew on another frustrating afternoon at Rodney Parade, the ground erupted into boos and “Feeney Out” chants. Certainly the pressure is high on Warren Feeney now.

Team Lineups

Newport: Day; Bignot, Bennett, Cameron, Butler; Grego-Cox, Tozer, Randall (Sheehan, 80), Rigg; Parkin (Jackson, 70), Healey

Subs not used: Bittner, Jones, Compton, Myrie-Williams, Green

Cambridge: Norris, Halliday, Legge, Roberts, Dunk, Berry, Clark, Elito, Gosling (Taylor 45), McGurk, Williamson (Ikpeazu 45 (Coulson 90+5))

Subs not used: Gregory, Long, Dallison, Newton,

Referee: Nicholas Kinseley

Attendance: 2205

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