NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh heaped praise on midfielders Adam Chapman and Max Porter for orchestrating the Exiles’ comeback against Exeter City.
Edinburgh’s men were 2-0 down at the break against the Grecians but roared back to 2-2 by the 51st minute inspired by the half-time introduction of Chapman and a superb equaliser from Porter.
Chapman has been sidelined by an ankle problem since the beginning of October but he helped turn the game after he replaced Lee Minshull at the start of the second half.
“Adam Chapman makes us play,” said Edinburgh. “We’ve had some good results without him but with him and Mark Byrne not in the side we haven’t played as well.
“That’s no surprise because when we’ve done well those two have been the heartbeat of it.
“He makes the difference. He’s got composure and he can pick a pass and you saw that.”
Edinburgh is hopeful that Byrne and Mike Flynn will shake off hamstring strains before next week’s trip to Bury.
Club captain Andy Sandell could be involved as well after he missed Sunday’s match due to a back spasm and striker Danny Crow is also available again following back and ankle complaints.
Porter is still working his way back to top form after nearly two years of injury hell with a persistent groin problem and Edinburgh was delighted that the 27-year-old scored the equaliser.
“Max Porter is a top class professional and he’s had a real horrific time of it of late,” said the Exiles boss.
“Hopefully the goal will just give him that lift that he needs. I’m really pleased for him.”
The point left County in ninth position in League Two ahead of the trips to Bury next Saturday and Carlisle United on November 29.
The next home game is not until Saturday, December 13, when Stevenage are the visitors to Rodney Parade.
“It feels like a victory rather than a draw,” added Edinburgh. “It was a point gained and in the end it was a fair result.
“We needed that because we’ve had big gaps between our home games and it’s difficult to get momentum away from home.
“We want to do that but at home is where you’re more comfortable.”
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