DOM Telford moved a goal closer to his target for 2021/22 when he headed Newport County AFC to a dramatic win at Hartlepool but he wasn’t the only one to chip away at an aim for the season.
The striker got the plaudits for sealing a fine 2-1 win at Victoria Park last Friday but his effort was set up by right-back Cameron Norman.
The ever-present defender got his fourth credited assist for the League Two campaign when he nodded the ball back across for Telford, adding to goals created against Harrogate (Robbie Willmott), Walsall (James Clarke) and Scunthorpe (Ollie Cooper).
Gone are the days of a right-back just being content with clean sheets.
“It's something that as a full-back you really need to have up your sleeve. The modern-day full-back is as good going forward as they are defensively,” said Norman, who also possesses a long throw that has created chances.
“It's something that I pride myself on and I've got a target for this season, and I've had a good start to that.
“I know my job defensively but I want to contribute going forward as well, it's a big part of my game. Hopefully I can add a few more... and get a goal!”
“If I can keep up this rate of assists then I will be happy. As a wide player you see the positions that I get in on the pitch, I am a provider so have to take accountability. I've had a great start but I am not at my target yet.”
The defender is on four assists from 16 League Two starts but there was also one that got away.
A sensational multi-pass County move against Scunthorpe ended with Kevin Ellison finishing from close range… only for the flag to be up because Norman had strayed offside before nodding across to the veteran.
The best disallowed goal of the weekend goes to @NewportCounty 🍾
— Martyn Phillips (@MartynPhillips1) October 31, 2021
20 passes, starting with @CameronNorman95 regaining possession, to then laying it on a plate for @KEVIN11ELLISON pic.twitter.com/yQsU6jpgI8
Norman said: “Initially I said I thought it was him and he wasn’t too happy when he found out it was me! It would have been a great goal so it was a bit disappointing.”
Norman was Michael Flynn’s first summer signing, worked under interim manager Wayne Hatswell and is now a key figure for James Rowberry.
The 26-year-old had big boots to fill after the departure of Liam Shephard but has been pivotal in the Exiles’ rise up the table.
“I am really enjoying it so far, it has been a really positive start,” said the former Walsall defender.
“At the moment we are in really good form, everybody is playing well and we are listening to the new instructions that we have had over the last month. We are gelling as a team and hopefully that can continue.”
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