PADRAIG Amond headed in the only goal of the game and Joe Day's penalty save ensured that Newport County AFC took all three points against Crewe Alexandra at Rodney Parade. Here are the talking points...

Amond makes amends

After a frustrating afternoon at Mansfield Town last week, capped by missing an open goal when he saw a shot cleared off the line after rounding the goalkeeper, Padraig Amond was back in the familiar role of match-winner against Crewe.

The Irish striker is targeting 20 goals this season and he got off the mark with an expert header from Mickey Demetriou’s cross to demonstrate that he will once again be the Exiles’ main man in attack.

Joe saves the Day 

The County goalkeeper earned his side two points as he guessed the right way to push away a poorly struck penalty from Paul Green in the second half.

It was the first spot-kick that Day has saved since a defeat at Cambridge United 18 months ago and a good omen ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Cambridge, which will go to penalties if it’s level after 90 minutes.

County look harder to beat with a back three

Manager Michael Flynn will continue to select the team and system he feels is best equipped to tackle each opponent but the opening two weeks of the season suggest that the team is more solid with three at the back.

Mansfield away and Crewe at home are two very different challenges but the defensive unit of Mickey Demetriou, Fraser Franks and Scot Bennett was excellent on Saturday and vital in securing the three points.

The system also allows Demetriou more freedom to get forward and it was his perfect cross that created the goal.

South Wales Argus:

Captain Crofts proves his leadership qualities

The skipper was again a big doubt after missing training all week but that was not evident as he used all his experience to boss the midfield.

The 34-year-old showed admirable stamina and was calm and composed on the ball and his cool head was key to County seeing out the game in the closing stages.

If he’s this good when he’s half fit, Exiles fans will be excited to see what Crofts can deliver when he’s at 100 per cent.

Bluebirds youngster demonstrates strength in depth up front

With Jamille Matt dropping to the bench and Antoine Semenyo remaining amongst the substitutes due to injury and illness, Mark Harris made his County debut alongside Padraig Amond.

And the Cardiff City loanee fully deserved the standing ovation he got when he made way for Semenyo on the hour after a hugely encouraging display.

Harris was full of pace and energy and linked up well with Amond and Josh Sheehan to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.