Waite for it! Rowberry’s cautionary plea to fans

JAMES Rowberry has warned Newport County’s fans not to get carried away after the Exiles climbed up to fourth place.

James Waite’s stunning long-range effort after 33 minutes secured a first league double over close rivals Bristol Rovers since the 1982-83 season and put the Welsh side in a strong position as they bid to reach the third tier of English football for the first time since 1987.

But Rowberry urged caution after the match and insisted he and the players would remain focused on the next challenge – an away trip to struggling Stevenage next Saturday.

He said: “We’ll enjoy this and then focus on the next game at Stevenage.

“We’ve had a really challenging period and we’ve come through it well.

“We have to keep being patient and stay in the moment. We can’t get carried away. It’s Stevenage and then it’s Carlisle. It’s that next-game mentality.”

Rowberry reserved special praise for January signing Waite, who scored his first League goal on his first start for his new club.

He added: “I was delighted for James. He’s worked really hard and he’s had an up-and-down couple of years and for him to get the goal was great. I’m really pleased for him.”

It could have been more comfortable for County as Liverpool loanee Jake Cain clipped the outside of a post with a free-kick before the break and substitute Alex Fisher headed against an upright in the second half.

Newport goalkeeper Nick Townsend denied Rovers substitute Ryan Loft and Aaron Collins and then Luca Hoole in stoppage time but the home side held on to claim a vital three points.

Rovers manager

Joey Barton admitted his side came up short after a run of just one defeat in 13 games had put them within touching distance of the playoff places before the match.

The former England player said: “I don’t think we were good enough, if I’m honest. Too many of our usual good performers didn’t have good performances.

“If you want to come to these sides and take maximum points, you have to play much better.

“We’re disappointed but we’ll pick ourselves up and go again on Tuesday at Crawley.”