5 things we learned from Accrington Stanley 1 Newport County 1

1. County finding it tough to hold on to a lead

It’s become something of a regular occurrence for County to be hanging on in the closing stages of matches in recent matches and at the moment they are being punished for sitting back and inviting pressure.

Against Port Vale it was one error at the back that cost them but at Accrington it was just the culmination of a barrage of attacks on the County goal after Nouble’s goal.

The Exiles don’t look comfortable trying to shut down a match and defend a lead so perhaps attack is the best form of defence, especially at home.

2. Set-piece work is paying off

The County goal came as a result of a cleverly planned corner routine that was perfectly executed by Robbie Willmott and Frank Nouble (below), who finished expertly.

The stats show that the Exiles are amongst the best teams in the Football League in terms of scoring from corners and that work on the training ground is clearly time well spent.

3. Refereeing decisions do even themselves out sometimes

County have been rightly frustrated with the officials in recent matches, particularly against Mansfield and Notts County, but Michael Flynn was full of praise for the referee and his assistants on Saturday.

Another referee on another day could well have sent off Joe Day in the first half and awarded the hosts one, two or even three penalties after the break.

But Darren Drysdale ignored the small but vociferous crowd and the increasingly desperate appeals and increasingly extravagant tumbles from the Stanley players and County claimed the point they deserved.

4. Wham Stadium still a hit with the Exiles

County were on The Edge of Heaven once again at one of their favourite stadiums and, even though it ended in frustration, they remain undefeated in Accrington.

That cold corner of Lancashire is not the most hospitable of places but the Exiles enjoy their trips to the Wham Stadium.

In five visits since promotion to League Two, County have now drawn three and won twice at Stanley, meaning that long trip is always worth it.

5. Barnet’s a big one

Flynn’s men remain ninth in the League Two table after 18 matches and are still outperforming pre-season expectations by some distance.

But it is now five without a win in the league since that stunning 4-0 demolition of Forest Green Rovers on October 14.

And, with another tough trip to Swindon Town next Saturday, Tuesday’s home clash with 23rd-placed Barnet looks like a golden opportunity to get that much-needed victory and stay in touch with the play-off race.