FRASER Franks' fifth-minute goal was enough to give Newport County AFC all three points at Tranmere Rovers. Here are the talking points...

Exiles pass a big test of their character

After last week’s humiliation at home to Yeovil Town, the 298 County fans who made the long trip north were surely travelling more in hope than expectation.

A 6-0 hammering is bound to raise plenty of questions and doubts in the players’ minds too and it would have been easy for them to crumble under pressure at Prenton Park.

But Michael Flynn’s men once again showed the character and resilience that they possess to produce the perfect response to a big blip. Normal service has been resumed.

County becoming away day specialists

After wins at Port Vale and Oldham Athletic already this month, this was the Exiles’ third successive victory on the road in League Two.

The last time the club recorded three away wins on the bounce in the Football League was way back in October 1983 when Colin Addison’s team triumphed at Rotherham United, Bolton Wanderers and Exeter City in the third division.

Just like at Vale Park and Boundary Park, County defended superbly as a team, although they arguably should have won more comfortably at Prenton Park and Joe Day was rarely troubled.

South Wales Argus:

Fraser Franks showing his worth

The centre-back took his goal like a striker as he controlled Padraig Amond’s knock-down, taking the ball past his marker in the same action before side-footing it expertly past Scott Davies.

And he handled everything that was thrown at him at the back, leading by example and not afraid to berate Mark O’Brien and Mickey Demetriou for some sloppy moments.

We knew the 27-year-old was a reliable League Two defender but few fans will have expected him to make quite the impact he has so far. The biggest compliment to Franks is that last season’s player of the year Ben White has not really been missed.

Joe Day celebrates landmark in style

After one of his worst days in a County shirt against Yeovil last week, this was one of the best for the Exiles’ number one.

Day didn’t have a great deal to do for much of the match with his defence offering him much more protection that last week but he pulled off a stunning save in stoppage time to ensure that his side went home with three points.

A win and a clean sheet made it a day to remember for one of the club’s most consistent performers as he marked his 200th appearance for County in all competitions.

Boss has a selection dilemma at the back

O’Brien made his first start of the season in League Two and slotted in well alongside Franks and stand-in skipper Demetriou in a back three.

Scot Bennett, who was a star performer in defence in wins at Port Vale and Oldham, moved into midfield alongside Matty Dolan to add some extra protection and again impressed.

But with three home games in a row, it’s likely that Flynn will opt for a more attacking midfield combination over the next few weeks.

And that would probably mean that one of Bennett, O’Brien, Demetriou or Franks would have to make way unless Dolan’s knee injury keeps him on the sidelines.