SUPER-SUB Antoine Semenyo reckons it’s Newport County AFC’s strength of character that keeps seeing them pick up points with crucial late goals.

The 18-year-old was the Exiles’ hero on Saturday with a 98th-minute strike giving Michael Flynn’s men a 2-1 victory over League Two rivals Stevenage.

And County are beginning to make a habit of finding the net in the closing stages of games, either to win them or draw.

Jamille Matt left it until the 95th minute to grab a winner against Notts County in August, before an even later effort – the 97th-minute – by the forward rescued a point in the 3-3 draw with Macclesfield Town.

Mark Harris also scored on 81 minutes to earn the Exiles a point at Exeter City three days prior to the Notts County success.

When asked what lay behind the team’s ability to find a goal in the nick of time, he said: “We just keep going, hoping we’ll win, and if it comes to that stage where we have to get a late winner we’ll do it.

“I believe it’s about the character in the team, we keep going to the end, even if we’re losing or drawing, we always want to go for the win.

“From training to games, we are all together, we’re close, we don’t let each other down and we’re always there for each other. I’m the youngest in the team and the boys are always helping me when I’m down.”

Reflecting on County’s performance at the weekend, he added: “The game was a bit back and forth and we conceded a sloppy goal, but we came through it and got the win so I’m glad and happy for the team.

“I’ve had a bit of a goal drought so it was great to get the winner, fantastic, I’m buzzing.

“When I miss an opportunity I always keep my head up, stay positive and hope I get another chance – luckily I did and converted it.

“We weren’t at our best, but this win has boosted our morale and chemistry, so we’ll go into the next game with the same motivation to win again.

“There are going to be a few ups and downs but I think we’ll do very well this season.”

For Semenyo, on loan at Rodney Parade from Bristol City, Saturday’s goal was his first in the Football League.

It was his third goal in County colours after efforts against Cambridge United and Chelsea U23s in the Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy respectively.