The talking points from Newport County 0 Swindon Town 0

Goals at a premium at Rodney Parade

Another clean sheet means County have now conceded just one goal in their last nine home games in League Two.

The Exiles are very hard to break down on their own turf and this was another excellent defensive display on a night when the visitors had most of the chances.

But the concern is that the goals have also dried up at the other end with only five for Michael Flynn’s men in those nine games and successive 0-0 draws at home will have left many fans frustrated.

Play-offs still not out of reach

Two points out of six over the past four days was not what was required, but it’s still too early to write off County’s chances of making the top seven.

They were given a helping hand by seventh-placed Exeter City last night as the Grecians were beaten 3-2 at relegation-threatened Macclesfield Town.

That means the Exiles are now just five points below the play-off places with a game in hand, but they know they will probably need to win five of the last six matches to stay in the hunt. That’s a big ask, but it’s not mission impossible.

Injuries disrupted the Exiles

Michal Flynn’s plans were disrupted not once, but twice by injury in the first half as Jamille Matt was forced off midway through and Joss Labadie had to stretchered off in stoppage time.

County had started brightly with Matt creating two chances for Padraig Amond in the opening 10 minutes but Swindon seemed to seize the initiative after the striker limped off.

Labadie’s dynamism was also missed after the break, but the good news is that both could return in time for Saturday’s trip to Cambridge United as Matt suffered only a dead leg and Labadie a gash to the ankle.

Could turn out to be a good point, want to apologise to the fans was nowhere good enough when I came on was one of those nights when nothing comes off.. we go again #AmberArmy

— AdeAzeez † (@AdeAzeez94) April 9, 2019

Azeez apologises for his display

Ade Azeez replaced Matt after just 24 minutes and it wasn’t his best night in a County shirt as he struggled to link with Amond and lost control of the ball on numerous occasions.

The striker took to Twitter to apologise to the supporters, admitting his performance was “nowhere good enough” on “one of those nights when nothing comes off.”

Azeez received plenty of support from fans and praise for his effort and he will be highly motivated to prove a point when he takes on former club Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.

Read more: Match report from Rodney Parade

Read more: Michael Flynn still hopeful after 'point gained'