Exiles look to add to Swindon troubles

Newport County will look to avoid becoming the first team to lose to Swindon Town this season when they make the short trip to the County Ground on Saturday.

The Exiles have injury and suspension issues to contend with in defence as they attempt to bounce back from last weekend’s 4-1 home defeat to Port Vale.

While Newport boss Nelson Jardim says he must “find solutions” at Swindon, opposite number Mark Kennedy also has problems to solve.

Swindon endured a miserable 2023-24 campaign, finishing 19th in League Two.

Former Cardiff City winger Kennedy became the club’s fifth permanent boss since the summer of 2021 when he was appointed head coach in May.

But it has not been an easy start to Kennedy’s reign, with Swindon taking only three points – courtesy of three away draws – from their first five league games of the season.

They have also suffered cup defeats at Exeter City and Crawley Town.

After two defeats from two at home so far this season – 2-1 against Notts County and 4-0 against Walsall – Swindon could do with a positive result.

Club owner Clem Morfuni has already seen fit to give his backing to Kennedy – and that was before last weekend’s draw at Barrow.

Swindon only avoided defeat in that game thanks to a 98th-minute equaliser from Danny Butterworth.

Another loss would have been embarrassing for the Robins given that defender Rory Feely was in goal for Barrow after Paul Farman’s 42nd-minute sending off.

Swindon were also reduced to 10 men in the second half, with Harry Smith shown red for violent conduct.