GOALS from Padraig Amond and Josh Sheehan secured a 2-1 win for Newport County AFC against Scunthorpe United at Rodney Parade. Here are the talking points...
Manager staying grounded
A seventh win in 13 games saw County climb back up to third in the table, just three points off top spot with a game in hand, but Michael Flynn is adamant that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.
“I’m delighted to get the three points but our position doesn’t mean anything at this stage of the season,” said the Exiles boss. “It just means we started well. It’s nice to be there but we have a long way to go.”
He’s right, of course, but his side keep racking up the points and it’s encouraging that they are in such a good position despite not yet hitting top gear in attack. There’s more to come.
A win for @crewealexfc and @officialbantams keeps them in the automatic promotion places, with @NewportCounty creeping into third!
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) October 19, 2019
Here's the league table following today's action. #EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/aczWGkbTBt
Top scorer shows his worth
Padraig Amond hasn’t had it all his way this season, being hauled off and even losing his starting spot on occasion, but he proved a point with this display.
The Irishman could have scored after only eight seconds following a lightning quick start and he got the goal his all-energy display deserved in first-half stoppage time.
It was his sixth goal of a stop-start campaign in all competitions, putting him three clear of nearest challenger Tristan Abrahams, and he also played a part in the winning goal to cap a display that proved his value to the team.
Midfielder making everyone sit up and take notice
Josh Sheehan has been a shining light for County since the start of the season with a series of outstanding performances in the heart of the midfield.
The only thing missing from his game has been goals but he finally netted for the first time since last November with a superb first-time finish from 20 yards out to break his duck in style.
If he can combine his new-found defensive discipline with the goalscoring form he showed during his initial loan spell at the club back in 2016, the Exiles will have a complete League Two midfielder.
Defender is a towering influence
Ryan Inniss was recalled for his first league match in six weeks following his five-game ban for biting and his dominant display fully justified his inclusion ahead of Kyle Howkins.
The 6ft 5ins centre-back won everything in the air in both boxes, clearing the danger at one end and creating it at the other as his forehead was targeted by Ryan Haynes with a series of free-kicks.
If he can keep his discipline, there are few players in the fourth tier who can match Inniss in terms of physical presence and aerial prowess. He can be a real asset as County aim to stay in contention at the top of League Two.
Read more: Newport County 2 Scunthorpe United 1 - match report
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