EXILES BOSS IS IN DREAMLAND
Four-goal delight for Edinburgh
NEWPORT County manager Justin Edinburgh enjoyed a dream start on his side’s long-awaited return to the Football League – and he couldn’t get enough of it.
The former Tottenham defender was made up after a Chris Zebroski double inspired his side to a memorable win in their first League contest in 25 years against Accrington.
“It was beyond our expectations and the goals we scored were a tribute to a terrific performance on a great day for the club,” he said.
“There wasn’t much in it at the start, but we were so clinical and moved the ball well. We’ve carried the momentum from last season and it gives us a lot of confidence.
“You have to aspire to be successful and I have tremendous faith in this group. They dealt with the pressure of the occasion very well.”
Accrington boss James Beattie, in the hot-seat for the first time, admitted his side had defended poorly but felt they’d been unlucky.
“We didn’t deal with Newport’s balls into the box, twice in both halves, which has been our undoing,” he said.
“On a positive note, I thought we played some great stuff and created chances. Danny Webber could have had a hat-trick on another day and then it’s a totally different story.
“The lads are devastated, but we remain positive about the good football. The scoreline is what it is.”
The pre-match atmosphere at Rodney Parade was vibrant – no surprise after the long spell in Non-League wilderness for the Welsh club.
The team responded accordingly, with the Exiles positively roaring out of the blocks – their trio of summer signings all catching the eye.
In particular, former Oxford man Adam Chapman stood out, pulling all the strings as Newport enjoyed the bulk of possession and chances.
Another debutant, Zebroski, had already seen a goal ruled out for handball when Chapman created the opener. His long throw was not cleared, allowing defender Harry Worley to drill the ball home in his first start for the Exiles – he also came from the Kassam Stadium this summer.
Newport continued to push and, just before the break, scored a stunning second.
Chapman’s brilliant run freed Christian Jolley, whose perfect centre was tapped home by Zebroski, who wasn’t to be denied.
The second half didn’t bring a change in narrative and Jolley put the Exiles 3-0 ahead with a superb curling effort to totally crush Accrington’s spirits.
Newport’s desire to attack never diminished, nor the quality of their fin- ishing, new man Zebroski adding a second just past the hour as he swivelled and fired home a first time left-foot volley.
Stanley were forlorn but were gifted a consolation by some sloppy defending. Ex-Manchester United striker Danny Webber clipped the ball through a crowd to deny ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Jamie
Stephens a debut clean sheet.