NEWPORT County AFC made it two wins out of two under caretaker manager Michael Flynn thanks to Ryan Bird's second-half penalty. Here's what we learned...
1. County have reconnected with the fans
Just 10 days after hundreds of fans walked out before the end and the rest jeered the team and the manager from the pitch following the 4-0 loss to Leyton Orient, County and their supporters have forged a new connection.
Before kick-off the club presented all 48 travelling fans with a free away shirt and after the match the players and management all went over to shake hands and celebrate with the Amber Army.
Michael Flynn and his team have got the fans back on side just in time for their return to Rodney Parade.
2. Decisions going the Exiles’ way
County conceded 15 penalties in League Two under Warren Feeney and Graham Westley, along with countless red cards but the tide appears to have turned under Michael Flynn.
The Morecambe fans were certainly unhappy with referee Peter Bankes’ performance after he awarded the Exiles’ the match-winning spot-kick midway through the second half.
Harsh or not, the Exiles fans will argue that they have earned a spot of luck and are still due more of it between now and the end of the season.
3. Tom Owen-Evans coming of age
The performances of Tom Owen-Evans have been instrumental in both victories under the new caretaker boss.
The teenager is maturing before our eyes and, rather than being cowed by the pressure of a relegation battle, he’s relishing the challenge and playing a vital role.
If he keeps this up Owen-Evans will catch the eye of bigger clubs and could be the next academy graduate to earn a move up the divisions.
4. Flynn getting the most from Alex Samuel
Samuel (above) showed flashes of what he’s capable of under Westley but he is really starting to come to the fore under Flynn.
The Swansea City loan star is a bundle of energy and with pace and power he never gives opposition defenders a moment’s rest.
He won the crucial penalty and was a constant menace all across the front line. His first goal can’t be far away.
5. County still need more ‘clinicality’
Flynn’s side have managed to win two out of two on the road so far and they were both fully deserved victories. The only concern is the number of chances it took them to wrap up the points.
In the second half at Crewe and throughout the match at Morecambe too many opportunities went begging and it took a last-minute winner and a penalty to seal the wins.
The Exiles need to add that cutting edge to ensure they make the most of being on top and don’t have to rely on heroic defending to get what they deserve.
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