SECOND-HALF goals from Dan Butler and Joss Labadie earned Newport County AFC a 2-1 win at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday. Here's what we learned...
1. Belief is back
First there was relief for the majority of County fans as Graham Westley was sent packing and now there is belief again after a superb second-half showing to earn a deserved three points.
‘We are staying up’ chanted the 198 travelling fans – a stark contrast to the boos and jeers that cascaded down from the stands at Rodney Parade after the debacle against Leyton Orient.
2. Fighting spirit is there
For the first time this season the Exiles came back from a goal down to win all three points, doing to Crewe what countless other sides have done to them throughout the campaign.
Unlike the meek surrender against Orient last week, Michael Flynn’s side responded superbly to going a goal behind and battled their way to a fully deserved win.
3. Controlled aggression needed
Numerous penalties and red cards went against the Exiles during Westley’s final weeks in charge and there were some heart-in-mouth moments at Gresty Road too.
Both Ryan Bird and Sid Nelson got away with reckless challenges in the first half and Flynn must ensure that the fighting spirit doesn’t boil over.
4. Joss’ giant performance
Joss Labadie (above) wore the captain’s armband on his first start since before Christmas and, after a slow start, his influence grew and grew.
The midfielder provided County with the drive they needed after the break and showed great composure to grab the winner in the final minute of normal time.
5. Flynn will give youth a chance
Westley talked up the likes of Finlay Wood, Kieran Parselle and Tom Owen-Evans (above) without ever giving them a run in the side.
But former academy chief Flynn started as he meant to go on by handing Owen-Evans a place at the heart of the team and he was rewarded with a superb performance from the young midfielder.
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