NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn was delighted to see his team return to winning ways as Padraig Amond’s second-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Grimsby Town.

The three points lifted County to eighth in League Two ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Crawley Town and extended their unbeaten run at Rodney Parade to nine games.

And Flynn was particularly happy with the response from his players after he was critical of their display in last week’s 2-1 defeat at Morecambe.

“I told you I’d get a response out of the players,” he said.

“I know them well and I know the character they have.

“Last week was a one-off and it’s put to bed now.

“And the best way to put it to bed is to go out there and put in a much-improved performance.”

County dominated the first half and should have been well clear at the break but they had to wait until the 63rd minute for Amond to hit the only goal of the game.

“They were excellent and it should have been more,” said Flynn.

“Grimsby had a header first half and maybe a little scramble in the second half but we should have been out of sight [by half-time].

“I think they cleared three off the line in the first half but I’ll take three points and a 1-0 win any day of the week.”

Like his teammates, Amond endured a frustrating day at the Globe Arena last week but Flynn is pleased with the striker’s record since his move from Hartlepool United last month.

“He’s played six games and scored three,” said the manager.

“If he was going to score in every game we wouldn’t have got him, let’s make that clear.

“But it’s not a bad record and it’s his work rate as well. His work off the ball is superb.

“Him and Frank have been up front in a two for the last few weeks and their starting to get a better understanding. I’m very pleased.”