NEWPORT County AFC fought back from 3-1 down to claim a point at Stevenage thanks to second-half goals from Frank Nouble, Mickey Demetriou and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Shawn McCoulsky. Here's what we learned...
1. Flynn has earned his suit
The Exiles boss stuck to tracksuit and trainers as caretaker manager last season, insisting he’d only wear a suit “when I’ve earned it.”
But Flynn was suited and booted as he began his first full season in charge at Stevenage.
And, having guided his hometown club to the Great Escape, he has certainly earned the right to wear what he wants on the touchline.
2. Some County fans have short memories
Alex Samuel may only have scored twice in 18 games on loan for County last season but he was one of the main reasons that the battle to beat the drop was successful.
So the fact that he was roundly booed by a section of the travelling fans every time he touched the ball and when he was subbed was as disappointing as it was baffling.
Samuel’s decision to turn his back on County was a blow and the boos may well have been tongue-in-cheek from some but it was no way to treat a Great Escape hero.
3. Defensive worries but strength in attack
he perceived wisdom ahead of the season opener was that County would be solid in defence but may be lacking a cutting edge.
In fact it was the exact opposite at the Lamex Stadium with Flynn’s men shooting themselves in the foot not once but twice with individual errors at the back.
But the big positive were the goals for new boys Frank Nouble and Shawn McCoulsky and the numerous chances created.
4. Bad day for Bennett
Chief culprit at Stevenage was Scot Bennett whose poor back pass sold goalkeeper Joe Day short and led to the opening goal.
The former captain then compounded that error by clumsily chopping down Luke Wilkinson to concede the penalty when his side were in the ascendency.
He appeared to hit the dugout in frustration when he was replaced shortly afterwards and, with loan signing Ben White waiting in the wings, Bennett will know he has to put Saturday behind him quickly.
5. Fighting spirit remains strong
Nouble, McCoulsky, Lamar Reynolds, Matty Dolan, Robbie Willmott and Calaum Jahraldo-Martin all came in but this County team retains the never-say-die attitude that served them so well at the end of last season.
If their League Two rivals didn’t know it already, McCoulsky’s last gasp goal underlined the message that Flynn’s Exiles just don’t know when they’re beaten.
They’re Newport County and they fight to the end.
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