NEWPORT County AFC drew 1-1 with Morecambe after Aaron Williams' first half opener was cancelled out by Michael Rose's free-kick after the break. Here's what we learned...
1. Williams on the spot
Ryan Bird showed his finishing ability at Cambridge on Saturday and Aaron Williams was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball home and put County ahead last night.
After three games where neither looked like scoring it’s encouraging that the pair are showing signs that they can provide the Exiles with the cutting edge they so desperately need.
2. Samuel shines
After an impressive debut at Barnet last month Swansea City winger Alex Samuel (below) has failed to really spark into life at County so far and only lasted 45 minutes at Cambridge United on Saturday.
But he was certainly on his game last night, posing a constant threat on the right flank and showing that skilful players can perform on the Rodney Parade pitch.
3. Exiles due some luck
After the frustrating finale at Cambridge, County were once again counting the cost of refereeing decisions going against them last night.
The Exiles were denied what looked a certain penalty for hand ball in the first half and Michael Flynn appeared to be fouled immediately before Morecambe levelled from a soft free-kick at the other end.
4. Defenders falling like flies
Graham Westley was already without Darren Jones through suspension and Sid Nelson and Scot Bennett through injury before Mark O’Brien was forced off in the second half.
Jones will be back on Saturday but could it be time for the manager to give academy graduate Kieran Parselle a chance if Bennett and O’Brien aren’t fit?
5. Second half woes
If points were awarded for the first halves of matches only then County would be 13th in the League Two table.
Just like Saturday they led at the break and again they let the lead slip during the second period - a habit that is costing them dearly.
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