NEWPORT County AFC edged out Exeter City at Rodney Parade with Jamille Matt's 72nd-minute winner separating the sides. Here are the talking points...

Regan Poole looks right at home

After three-and-a-half years, the academy graduate slotted straight back into the side as if he’d never been away.

And the boy appears to have grown into a man while he’s been away at Manchester United with plenty of steel to go with the silky touches and impressive passing ability.

It’s still early days but Poole looks like the perfect foil for the more experienced trio of Mark O’Brien, Mickey Demetriou and Fraser Franks and he can also switch to midfield if needed.

South Wales Argus:

Bennett and Bakinson give boss a problem

Joss Labadie, Matty Dolan and Josh Sheehan were unused substitutes on Saturday and Andrew Crofts could be back from his hamstring injury next week but they could all struggle to make the starting XI.

County’s midfield has been heavily criticised in recent weeks but Scot Bennett and Tyreeq Bakinson were both excellent against Exeter and will be difficult to dislodge on this form.

Bennett was everywhere in and all-action display and Bakinson matched him stride for stride in the defensive work, as well as making a big impact in helping to launch attacks and going close to a rare goal.

South Wales Argus:

No substitutes for the Exiles

For the first time this season, and in stark contrast to last week's defeat at Crewe Alexandra, Flynn didn't make a single change during the game.

"It’s something we learned as a staff," explained the boss. "We had to last week. I didn’t want to make any subs last week but we had to.

"I didn’t want to disrupt the rhythm and consistency that we had out there because we looked like scoring a second.

"I was tempted to get Joss on but I’m not going to put him on for the sake of it. The team comes first and we’ll see if he’s fit to play some part next weekend."

Pressure off ahead of Middlesbrough trip

After a miserable seven weeks in League Two, County finally got their first three points since the end of November and they will hope that they have stopped the rot.

They remain 13th in the table, but it was a vital victory as it enabled the Exiles to close the gap on the top-seven from eight points to five and they still have games in hand on many teams above them.

The win lifts the cloud that has descended on Michael Flynn’s men in the league over Christmas and New Year and it means that everyone connected with the club can now really enjoy next Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Middlesbrough with the pressure off and nothing to lose.

Read more: Newport County 1 Exeter City 0 match report

Read more: Manager Michael Flynn delighted after important win

Read more: Regan Poole on why he returned to Rodney Parade