Dave Jones: Togetherness the key for in-form Newtown
Caernarfon, Wales 29 May 2021. JD Cymru Premier UEFA Europa Conference League play-off Final between Caernarfon Town and Newtown AFC. Credit: Will Cheshire / Clwb Peldroed.
Newtown goalkeeper Dave Jones expressed that the squad’s togetherness has played a key part in their excellent run of form.
The Robins have bounced back from defeats to rivals Aberystwyth Town and Flint Town United with three impressive victories over Barry Town, Penybont and Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Chris Hughes’ side have been defensively strong, conceding just one goal in their last five games, as well as netting 13 goals at the other end.
Shot-stopper Jones insisted that having a tight-knit squad was the key to securing three consecutive wins.
“We’ve stuck together really well. We hit a bit of a bumpy road for a couple of weeks with a few poor results, but we’ve picked ourselves up and we haven’t looked back.
“We’ve had three really good results. We’re scoring goals and defending really so it’s really nice to have everything clicking together.
“The feeling amongst the squad is really good. We all get on really well, there’s no small cliques or anything like that, it’s just one big group of lads.
“We all fight for each other and we all know that we’ll stick together. We may not be the best players individually but as a team, we’re one of the best.”
The most notable of the Robins’ recent victories was over back-to-back Cymru Premier champions Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Centre-back Shane Sutton headed Hughes’ men in front, before a Danny Holmes own-goal doubled their lead.
After an impressive victory at the Deeside Stadium, Jones hailed the performance from the whole squad.
“It was really good. I can’t remember the last time I had a result there, it’s been a few years since I came away from there with any sort of points.
“I think we rode our luck in the game, they hit the woodwork and had a few cleared off the line. We didn’t spent much time in their half, but we defended really well and put our bodies on the line for each other. That mentality got us through the game.”
The Robins’ excellent form has seen them rise to third in the Cymru Premier table, trailing second-placed Flint Town United by two points.
With momentum on their side, Newtown look well-placed to finish in the top six at the end of Phase One.
Jones expressed that his side have made a great start to achieving their aim of a top six finish.
“Every year, we want to get into the top six, that’s the aim. We haven’t got the biggest of budgets, but as a team, we always aim as high as possible.
“Compared to the start of last year, I don’t think we played poorly last year, but we just couldn’t get results.
“When the league split last year, we put together a really good run and it’s carried on into this year.
“We’ve started really well, had a few blips, but it’s been a really good start to the season.”
Newtown now face the challenge of welcoming Caernarfon Town to Latham Park.
The Robins have locked horns with the Cofis twice this season, securing 2-0 and 5-0 victories.
Despite the positive results Newtown have recorded against Caernarfon so far this campaign, Jones insisted that he expects a tough test.
“With Caernarfon, you always get a good performance from them because they work so hard for each other.
“They’re a very hard-working team and they don’t make it easy for you. They’ve made a few changes this year but they’ve still got some players that can produce on their day.
“They’re always a dangerous team to play against, especially when their fans are in as well. They make a massive difference for them. Hopefully, we can carry on our run and take the three points.”
The fixture will bring back some fond memories for Jones and the Newtown squad of last season’s play-off final.
The Robins secured their place in the UEFA Conference League with a dramatic 5-3 win, in which James Davies and Jamie Breese netted late-on.
Despite admitting to frustration at conceding three goals, Jones holds the Robins’ European qualification in high regard.
“It all happened quite quickly. In terms of my own personal performances, I didn’t think I was that great at all, but I was lucky that it was one of those games where every touch of the ball we had resulted in a goal.
“After the game, we celebrated well at the club. It was a massive thing for us. We’ve got a great togetherness as a club. I don’t think I’ll play a game like it again. The whole thing was just brilliant.”
