PADRAIG Amond is a striker like no other Mickey Demetriou has played with during his career, according to the Newport County AFC captain.

Amond might not have scored in the 2-0 defeat of Colchester United at Rodney Parade last Saturday, but he did come to the Exiles rescue late on.

The U’s looked like pulling a goal back in the dying minutes, and potentially making it a nervy finish for the home fans, before Amond’s goal-saving block denied the visitors.

"I don’t think I’ve ever played with a striker like Podge,” said defender Demetriou.

"And even five minutes after that block he made a run back to stop their forward coming at us into the box when he beat the back line.

"That’s what we’re about as a team, we work hard for each other, defend from the front and we’re a tight-knit group. No-one is taking that away from us.

"Podge played very well. It showed again what he’s about, works hard for the team, always gives his all game in, game out, and in training day in, day out.

“He’s a workhorse for us and a massive player. He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he made one instead.

"We were all man of the matches out there, all 11 of us. I’ll take the award (sponsors’ man-of-the-match) for the team and we’ll enjoy it during the week and use it as momentum for next weekend.”

Amond will again be key to County’s hopes of another three points this Saturday when they go to Cheltenham Town.

The Exiles are set to come up against a familiar face in former midfielder Ben Tozer, who is likely to use his long throw to try and thwart his old club.

"We know there will be a long, long throw coming in,” added Demetriou, who doesn’t have a bad throw in his locker too.

“Me and Ben got on really well when he was here, we still keep in touch now, and we’re good friends on that part.

"But he’ll say the same thing if he got asked the same question, when we step on to the football pitch it’s all about winning for our team.

"I would always wish Ben well – except when we play them!"