NEWPORT manager John Sheridan hailed the performance of match winner Scott Boden after his second half effort was enough to sink Barnet.

Boden’s goal was the difference as Newport beat Barnet in a tight cup tie at the Hive, stretching the Exiles' unbeaten run to ten games as he showed calmness and skill to put the Welsh club into the third round for the first time since 1986.

The visitors had the better chances in the first half, but it wasn't until the second half, with Barnet on the front foot, that Boden rose above the defence to head in off the post and put Newport through.

“Boden's finish was a great finish and probably the hardest of the day as well – his performance was fantastic,” said Sheridan. “We've had good chances. We've won again and again a clean sheet.

“Barnet have got a good home record, they're in your face. Their kid throws the ball further than I kick it. They make it difficult.

“I never felt uncomfortable that we were going to lose. I was just really pleased with the way we played. Our biggest downfall is we weren't taking our chances.

“But even second half we could have scored a few. Maybe we were a bit naive and didn't kill the game off, but it was a great team performance. All credit to the players.

“But we were excellent. We passed the ball when we needed to in difficult conditions.

“We know what the cup can do for a club like us. For the supporters and the players, it gives that excitement because you're in the hat and there's always that belief you might go somewhere.

“We want to go as far as we can and financially it can help the club. The draw takes care of itself.

“Ideally, we want to get through the next round. The lads are excited. It's good for everyone involved with the club. At the end of the day, it will be a football match and whoever we play; we've got to believe we can get through.”

The first chance of the match fell to Lenell John-Lewis on six minutes, but the Exiles' top scorer drew his right-footed shot wide from just inside the area.

Newport were constantly dangerous on the break and this led to attacking midfielder Tommy O'Sullivan, on loan from Cardiff, having a header blocked from close range after a cross from winger Alex Rodman.

Rodman himself then had a shot closed down brilliantly by Jamie Stephens, the Barnet keeper who was let go by Newport in May.

Just before the break, another great opportunity fell to John-Lewis after an O'Sullivan cross dropped to him six yards out, but the forward blasted over.

Barnet started the second half much improved after Allen replaced both wingers at half-time and they looked to go on the attack with Kevin Lisbie up front.

The move nearly paid off straight away when John Akinde went close, but Day blocked low with his first save. Andy Yiadom then had a shot blocked from point-blank range.

The deadlock was broken just before the hour when the experienced Boden skilfully placed a header into the corner. Stephens got a despairing hand to the ball, but to no avail.

Barnet went close several times, often from corners and most notably when they had a header saved on the line, but despite an improved second half, it was Newport who went through.

“To win is great,” added Sheridan. “We had great support; they really got behind the team all game.

“The performance was very good. It could have been four or five nil. We created so many chances in the first half; you think has the game gone for us. But we carried it on into the second half. There were difficult conditions, but I thought we were excellent today.

“When you’re winning games, it builds a bit of confidence. We're playing well. I don't mind losing games so long as we're doing the right things and playing the way we want to play. Today's performance shows that we are improving as a side.”

Barnet: (4-4-2): Stephens, Odoffin (Gambin 74), N'Gala, Nelson, Dembele, Batt (Lisbie 45), Bailey, Yiadom, Muggleton (Johnson 45), Gash, Akinde.

Subs not used: McKenzie-Lyle, Johnson, Togwell, Champion, McLean

Newport County: (4-1-3-2): Day, Holmes, Partridge, Bennett, Hughes, Byrne, Rodman, O'Sullivan (Klukowski 90), Elito, Boden (Ansah 90), John-Lewis

Subs not used: Green, Barrow, Taylor, Barnum-Bobb, Collins

Referee: Dean Whitestone

Attendance: 1,767 (339 away)

Star man: Tommy O'Sullivan