NEWPORT County AFC ended their losing streak but had to settle for a draw against Carlisle United in League Two.

The Exiles were scenting a much-needed win at Rodney Parade when Nathan Moriah-Welsh calmly finished from Thierry Nevers’ cross in the 30th minute.

However, the Cumbrians levelled from a corner when Corey Whelan smashed in a loose ball and they nearly won it in added time only for Paul Huntington’s shot to bounce off the bar.

Here are some talking points…

HARD-EARNED POINT

County boss James Rowberry and Carlisle counterpart Paul Simpson had something in common on Saturday, they both felt it was two points dropped.

In truth, a share of the spoils was fair and a steady return for the Exiles against a side that have lost just once in league football this season.

County, on the back of four straight losses, really could have done with a win but a draw gives them something to build on and they would love similar results from the upcoming trips to Leyton Orient and Swindon.

The Exiles have been far, far too easy to play against because of their ability to shoot themselves in the foot.

It's better for those at the top to deal in wins and defeats but strugglers - and let's face it, that's what County are - need to keep totting up points, that will put them in a position to burgle the odd victory.

Don’t turn your nose up at draws when things haven’t clicked and you are in the bottom half.

South Wales Argus: SITTING MIDFIELDER: Nathan Moriah-Welsh after putting County in front (Huw Evans Agency)SITTING MIDFIELDER: Nathan Moriah-Welsh after putting County in front (Huw Evans Agency) (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

LATE ACTIONS

The second half was a low-key affair featuring no chances of note but then Carlisle built up a head of steam.

County, perhaps weighed down by recent results, got deeper and it was no surprise when they were pegged back.

Carlisle put the foot down, especially with the introduction of the extremely lively Fulham loanee Sonny Hilton, whereas the hosts stuck with what they had.

Rowberry said afterwards that it was County’s failure to carry out the game plan that cost them in the second half.

If that was the case then surely proactive changes should have been made before the goal?

County brought on James Waite for Thierry Nevers – a decision influenced by the loanee’s booking – but then it was only once the clock hit 90 that Chanka Zimba replaced Omar Bogle and Robbie Willmott came on for Hayden Lindley, who had gone down with cramp.

Rowberry welcomed the EFL change to allow five substitutes but the use of the bench was odd on Saturday.

Zimba will be keen to point to the goals per 90 minutes chart come the end of the season after having just 82 minutes from nine outings off the bench, the longest of which was half an hour when County were down to 10 men at Bradford.

It was similar for him at the end of last season in Northampton and the Cardiff City loanee must wonder if he will get a chance at some stage to play alongside Omar Bogle, who understandably cut a frustrated figure at times up top.

South Wales Argus: ENGERY: Will Evans on the run for CountyENGERY: Will Evans on the run for County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

GOOD EVANS

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Will Evans jogged to Rodney Parade and then trotted home after playing 90 minutes at full pelt.

The 25-year-old is a machine and his work rate, physicality and commitment is exactly what County need in the pickle they currently find themselves in.

Evans played the full game against Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Trophy, scoring at the death, and then gave it everything again versus Carlisle.

There have been plenty of frustrating aspects to the start of County’s campaign but his start to life in the EFL after arriving from Bala in the Cymru Premier is hugely encouraging.

He’s not just a grafter, Evans can provide moments of quality and there is plenty of growth in his game.

The forward was signed for his potential but at the moment he merits being a key figure.

South Wales Argus: EXPERIENCE: County defender James ClarkeEXPERIENCE: County defender James Clarke (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

BLEND

County face a huge test on Saturday when they travel to Leyton Orient, who have won nine and drawn one, scoring 18 and conceding just four.

That is followed by the rearranged Swindon away fixture and home clash with Rochdale.

Rowberry was appointed in mid-October of 2021 and faces a hugely important block of games approaching one year at the helm.

Selection is pivotal with County needing to get the right blend of experience (Townsend, Norman, Clarke, Demetriou, Bennett, Bogle on Saturday) and promise (Adam Lewis, Lindley, Moriah-Welsh, Nevers, Evans).

It was good to see attacking midfielder Aaron Wildig back on the bench after injury on Saturday, his EFL knowhow could be invaluable for his manager. I'd also always find room for Aaron Lewis in the team.