NEWPORT County AFC earned a draw at Exeter City after substitute Mark Harris cancelled out Jayden Stockley's first-half header with an equaliser nine minutes from time. Here are the talking points...
County showed their character
Two weeks on from that 3-0 reverse at Mansfield Town, things are looking much brighter for Michael Flynn’s men.
It’s been a great eight days with a hard-fought win over Crewe Alexandra last Saturday, a demolition job at Cambridge United in the cup on Tuesday and a deserved draw at St James Park.
The Exiles went behind against the run of play but dug deep to demonstrate their resilience once again and earn a point with a late leveller. It all adds up to an impressive response to that opening day disappointment.
Perfect starts? ❌@StevenageFC climb into the top three after Matchday 3.
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) August 18, 2018
Three sides still looking for a first point. pic.twitter.com/LLDNEaht8C
The strikers are all firing
Padraig Amond has three goals to his name and now Mark Harris has joined Jamille Matt and Antoine Semenyo in breaking his duck in County colours as the Exiles front men continue to spur each other on.
Harris impressed without getting on the scoresheet against Crewe and had to sit and watch while the other three all found the net at Cambridge.
He rode his luck with the goal but it was a cool finish in the end from the 19-year-old and his first goal in senior football will be a major boost to his confidence.
The boss' bold approach paid off
Three attacking substitutions did the trick for Flynn, who urged his side to keep attacking in pursuit of the point they deserved.
Having lost David Pipe to injury, the manager opted to introduce Keanu Marsh-Brown instead of Tyler Forbes and the former Forest Green Rovers winger worried the Exeter defence and delivered some tempting balls into the box.
Flynn then threw on Antoine Semenyo and Mark Harris and was rewarded for his attacking intent with a draw to ruin Exeter’s 100 per cent start to the season.
Bakinson rises to the challenge
Captain Andrew Crofts was ruled out with a toe infection, which has troubled him since pre-season, but Bristol City loanee Tyreeq Bakinson (above) again proved himself an able deputy.
The leggy 19-year-old was a little unfortunate to concede the free-kick that led to Exeter opening the scoring but he didn’t let that affect him.
Bakinson offers something different to any of the other Exiles midfielders and, while Crofts’ experience will be crucial, the teenager looks a viable alternative and a potentially exciting partner for the Wales international.
O’Brien has to bide his time
Mark O’Brien was finally passed fit after sustaining an ankle injury in the pre-season but he may have to wait before he wins back his starting spot.
They had to rely on some superb stops from goalkeeper Joe Day yesterday but the back three of Mickey Demetriou, Fraser Franks and Scot Bennett look a very solid defensive unit.
Michael Flynn will be delighted to have selection dilemmas at the back as well as in midfield and up front.
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