James Rowberry: I need Newport County to put the heat on

The Exiles got off to a winning start under their new boss when they triumphed 3-1 at Bristol Rovers to move within three points of the League Two play-offs.

Rowberry, who left his role as Cardiff City’s first team coach for the role, held just one full training session before the short trip to the Memorial Stadium but was able to get across some key messages and demands.

County were energetic at the top end of the pitch and were able to force the Rovers defence, who were keen to play out, into a number of errors.

The second goal came from a misplaced pass by home goalkeeper James Belshaw and Rowberry wants opponents to feel the heat.

BOSS: James Rowberry

“One thing that we have been quite low on is our passes per defensive action. Wayne [Hatswell, coach and former caretaker manager] knew that weeks ago and started to work on it a bit more,” said the manager.

“You could see that with our good mix of youth and experience, it’s not just about the young lads it’s the senior ones as well with their experience.”

PPDA is a statistical tool to measure the intensity of pressure that a side puts on their rivals when they are in possession.

It is the number of passes made by the attacking team divided by the number of defensive actions (tackles, interceptions, fouls).

Liverpool are known for their aggression under Jurgen Klopp and a Reds prospect featured in Bristol.

PROSPECT: Jake Cain in action for Newport County

Rowberry opted to replace the suspended sitting midfielder Ed Upson with 20-year-old Jake Cain, who made just his second Football League start and played the 90 minutes for the first time.

He joined livewire Swansea attacking midfielder Ollie Cooper in the XI and there was an early introduction for Aston Villa loanee Finn Azaz after captain Matty Dolan limped off in the opening stages.

With stalwart Robbie Willmott given the role of protecting a back four, it was a talented if inexperienced and lightweight midfield but bravery on the ball is key for the new boss.

“I look at Jake, Finn and Ollie, the way that they performed today was amazing and they should be very proud,” said Rowberry.

“They are good footballers and there was a moment in the second half when we were under pressure because we weren’t taking the ball.

“If we start passing the ball a little bit more and take it under pressure, don’t worry about the defensive shape.

“Take the ball because we’ve got good footballers and the more they take the ball the better I feel we will perform.”

County’s performance gives Rowberry a selection headache as Upson and left wing-back Ryan Haynes will be back from suspension for Saturday’s home encounter with Stevenage.