PADRAIG Amond's second-half strike earned Newport County AFC a deserved three points against Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade. Here's what we learned...

1. Players proved Morecambe was a blip

Exiles boss Michael Flynn was scathing in his criticism last week but his players responded in the perfect way with an excellent display.

There was definitely no questioning the commitment, attitude or effort from the men in amber and they made good on their pre-match promises to put things right.

2. Labadie and O’Brien make the difference

The captain was an inspirational figure in midfield and O’Brien looked as if he’d never been away as he slotted straight back into central defence alongside Mickey Demetriou, who was also back to his best.

Both players provided the leadership and battling spirit that was missing at Morecambe last week and both showed just how important they are to this team.

3. Terrific Tozer has a new lease of life

The midfielder has endured a long and difficult road back to fitness and into the starting XI but he was a deserving winner of the sponsor’s man of the match award.

Tozer produced his best performance for close to a year and he and Labadie gave County a solid platform in front of the defence, fully justifying the decision to leave Matty Dolan on the bench.

South Wales Argus:

4. Exiles still not clinical enough

The one negative was that the Exiles again didn’t make the most of the chances they created. If they had the match would have been done and dusted inside the first 45 minutes.

Amond’s persistence paid off in the end and it was enough to claim all three points with Grimsby offering little at the other end but in tight away matches in particular their profligacy has and will again prove costly.

5. Flynn juggling his resources

The manager withdrew the tiring Labadie and O’Brien late on with an eye on Tuesday’s trip to Crawley Town and the team managed to hold on for victory with few scares.

Matty Dolan is also raring to go after getting a much-needed rest on Saturday and the likes of Lamar Reynolds, Shawn McCoulsky, Joe Quigley and Scot Bennett could also come into contention with another tough away match at Luton Town on the horizon.