STRIKER Tristan Abrahams has come in for praise from Newport County AFC teammate Scot Bennett after his response to being dropped by manager Michael Flynn.

Abrahams came off the bench to score his first Football League goal – a second-half penalty – last Saturday as the Exiles fought back to draw 1-1 with Exeter City at Rodney Parade.

Prior to the Grecians clash, the 20-year-old forward had started eight matches in a row, earning plenty of plaudits for his performances and netting once in the EFL Trophy.

Boss Flynn decided to go with Jamille Matt from the start against League Two leaders Exeter, leaving Londoner Abrahams to wait patiently on the sidelines for his chance.

Flynn opted to change things at the break and Abrahams was called into action in place of Padraig Amond.

When Josh Sheehan was brought down in the Exeter box just after the hour mark, Abrahams, with regular penalty-taker Amond off, made no mistake from the spot.

And it was Abrahams’ reaction to finding out he wouldn’t be starting the match that particularly impressed midfielder Bennett.

“Tristan was unlucky not to have started,” he told iFollowExiles. “He’s done really well when he’s played.

“He’s got a great attitude and he came on at half-time with no sulking, he put his body on the line, battled hard and when the chance came, he took it.”

And on his teammate’s maiden league goal, he added: “That’s nice for Tristan.

“It’s always good to get off the mark in the league, and hopefully he can pick up a few more.”

Bennett would love Abrahams to find the target again on Saturday when County travel to Swindon Town.

“We’ve had some tough games recently so it’s not all doom and gloom,” he said. “We’ve played well and picked up some points in those games.

“It’s not as many as we would have liked but it’s a great start to the season for us. We’ve got to build on the positives and I’m sure we’ll pick up lots more points.

“Swindon have had a really good start, the manager has got them playing some really nice football, so we’ll go there confident.

“We’ll work on it throughout the week and come up with a plan and strategy to win the game. Hopefully it’ll be enough to get back to winning ways and get the three points.”