NEWPORT County AFC frustrated hosts Barnet to earn a valuable point with a 0-0 draw at The Hive Stadium yesterday. Here's what we learned...
1. On his Day he’s one of the best in League Two
He’s received plenty of criticism lately – some of it justified and much of it way off the mark – but there was no mistaking that goalkeeper Joe Day was the difference between a draw and a defeat at The Hive Stadium.
A first clean sheet in the league was the result of several superb saves in the second half as Day put that blunder at Stevenage to bed and proved once again what a good shot stopper he is.
2. Darren Jones still in Graham Westley’s plans
Many expected Jones to make way after he conceded another penalty to allow Colchester a way back into the match last week and manager Graham Westley blasted his team’s “lazy defending” in his presentation at the AGM.
But Jones was named in an unchanged starting XI and – true to Westley’s words – he played a big part in the defence keeping dangerman John Akinde quiet to show that he can still have a key role in the run-in.
3. Aaron Williams and Craig Reid not the perfect partners – yet
Defensively County were impressive at Barnet and strikers Williams and Reid played their part in that but as an attacking pairing they rarely threatened a goal at the other end.
There weren’t too many chances created on Saturday and they may yet come good as they get used to the way the other plays but Westley may decide to see what others can do up front.
4. Alex Samuel looks like the real deal
One option would be to hand Samuel (above) a start down the middle after he enjoyed an impressive debut off the bench, playing mainly out wide, having replaced Mark Randall in the first half.
The Swansea City youngster showed no signs of being intimidated by some rough and tough defending from Barnet and looks like he could match his friend Josh Sheehan’s impact.
5. Westley not afraid to make tough decisions
Former Barnet player Randall did not look at all happy to be taken off after just 28 minutes on his return to The Hive and went directly to the dressing room rather than sit on the bench.
But Westley explained that the after-effects of illness were still hindering the midfielder and he opted to change things before his side were punished. Like the decision to sideline Ben Tozer, it showed that Westley is prepared to upset people if he feels it’s for the benefit of the team.
Mark Randall heads to the dressing room after being replaced by Alex Samuel on 28 minutes pic.twitter.com/OcjwwQTj14
— Argus on County (@argusoncounty) January 21, 2017
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