NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Coughlan celebrated his first month in the job and his 48th birthday with three points and he was delighted with his side’s performance in the 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Gillingham at Rodney Parade.

Defender Priestley Farquharson, who has never previously scored as a pro, was credited with both goals.

There was no doubt about the first, two minutes before the break, as his header from Aaron Lewis’ corner proved too powerful for Gills goalkeeper John Turner.

And he also claimed to have got the final touch to Mickey Demetriou’s long throw for the crucial second goal, 11 minutes into the second half.

“Priestley has been different class for us,” said Coughlan, who turned 48 on Friday.

“He’s trying to claim the second one as well so he’s getting a little bit carried way with himself! But I thought he was a man-mountain today.

“And not just today, since I’ve come through the door. It’s a pleasure working with him and if he keeps churning out performances like he has been, week in and week out, he’ll go on to bigger and better things in his career.

“I have no idea who scored the second,” he added. “The lads were arguing about it in the dressing room. But I don’t think it matters.

“Once we got that second goal it gave us that breathing space that we needed in a tense atmosphere and an intense game.”

Gillingham hit the post and bar before Farquharson broke the deadlock, but County were comfortable winners in the end.

“I thought we thoroughly deserved it,” added the Exiles boss.

“We repelled everything that they threw at us, and we got our head on everything that came into the box. We put our bodies on the line.

“I thought it was a real manful, professional performance from the lads.”