Newport County showed class in 2-1 win over Stockport - Coughlan

The Exiles upset the odds against the Hatters, who were hunting a record 13th straight victory in the fourth tier.

Newport led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Bryn Morris’ strike in added time from a free-kick and doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Shane McLoughlin smashed in a left-footed goal of the season contender.

Stockport grabbed a consolation six minutes into added time but there was to be no denying Coughlan’s side, even if the boss was slightly miffed by the finish.

Graham Coughlan watches on in Newport County's win against Stockport (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I am a little bit annoyed that we conceded at the end, that was a clean sheet that we should have kept,” said the former centre-half.

“I’ve said to the lads, you can see why I get frustrated, annoyed and angry because they are capable of that, it’s just getting that consistency and keeping those standards.

“It’s a great victory but, as I said after beating Gillingham and drawing with MK Dons, we want to be a consistent team, not one that delivers twice a month.

“It’s about building and kicking on, let’s not get carried away and too excited about the victory, let’s string a few together and then I might crack a smile.”

Newport climbed to 16th, seven points clear of the relegation zone, and Coughlan wants more of the same at Morecambe on Tuesday.

“Overall our performance was really good,” he said. “There are not many teams in the league that can live with Stockport, never mind match them.

“Our tactics were spot-on and the lads carried it out to the letter, and with a bit more quality we could have opened them up because we squandered some opportunities.

“We deserved to win the game and my message is to go and match another team and another team to put a run together.

“If they keep giving us that work rate, attitude and commitment, which they have all season, then we will win more games than we lose.”