Cox speaks after Newport away game

First team manager Neil Cox provided his reaction to iFollow Iron after United’s 3-0 away loss to Newport County.

On the result, Cox said, “It was really difficult to take. We came in with our game plan, and we knew the first 15 minutes were going to be important. We know they put balls in the box, we had to stay with runners and stop their throws, but we conceded early on in the game from a throw in. There was poor marking in the box and we were 1-0 down.

“We got in some really good areas, but our full-backs kept hitting the first man with the cross. We tried to work the set plays, but we got cut out and then we got counter attacked. 

"We got in at half time and explained how we’d get something out of the game, by not hitting the ball long, by trying to play through the midfield, and we'd create chances like that to open their back three up but we just kept hitting it long and it came back and we conceded such a poor second goal when we’d had good possession of the ball, and gave it away.

“We were chasing the game and then let in another poor third goal. After that we had a couple of good chances, but we still couldn’t take them. If it goes 3-1 or 3-2 then you never know, but we’re lacking defensively, and we can’t keep conceding poor goals that we are. We have to play better with the ball because we’re giving it away so easily.” 

Cox continued: “If we get beaten, then we have to have a go and we have to battle and show some quality.

“I’m really hurting, and it’s been a really difficult couple of weeks but I’m still here fighting and having a right go and that’s the way we’re going to be. The players have to show some fight and spirit between themselves as well."

Finally, on the 98 travelling fans who made the long trip, the manager said: “It’s an absolute credit, I think some of the comments that they were saying were spot on, about how a little bit of pride is needed from some of ours. I just want to thank them yet again; I know they are spending their hard-earned money to travel to support this football club. I can only apologise for the second half performance and the lack of passion shown. I’ll be in working them hard to try and get a result (at Rotherham) on Tuesday.”

See much more from Neil Cox and Harry Davis on iFollow Iron.