County keep on fighting
NEWPORT COUNTY may well go down – but it certainly won’t be through a lack of fight as this performance and result proves.
Caretaker manager Michael Flynn praised his players for “giving everything” as they held on for a vital victory at Rodney Parade – a third win in six under the local hero’s stewardship.
A stunning goal from defender Mickey Demetriou earned Newport only their third home win of the season in League Two to boost their survival hopes.
This result leaves them five points from safety with six games to go.
“Cheltenham won so it’s a massive win and we’ve closed the gap because Hartlepool have lost,” said a relieved Flynn.
“It was a great strike frim Mickey. He’s got a very sweet left foot and I thought he was outstanding in defence as well.
“We should have scored more goals. I thought it was a very good attacking display in the first half and we should have killed them off.
“But then in the second half when we had to dig deep and we had to be resilient it was a very good defensive performance.
“So 1-0 against a good Crawley team and I’m happy.”
Demetriou lashed the ball past goalkeeper Glenn Morris after 18 minutes to give Newport a deserved lead.
NEWPORT COUNTY ........ 1 CRAWLEY TOWN ............. 0
Captain Joss Labadie, Sean Rigg, Mitch Rose and Ryan Bird all went close to doubling the hosts’ lead before the break.
Crawley had few chances but did almost level on 43 minutes when Rhys Murphy sent a shot inches wide of Joe Day’s far post.
Labadie was then sent off after the break following a confrontation with former Cardiff City youngster Josh Yorwerth, who was also shown a straight red card.
Demetriou saw a header tipped over athletically by Morris and Bird almost sealed the three points after taking the ball past the goalkeeper but poking wide with the goal gaping.
Joe Day was forced into two fine saves in a nervy six minutes of time added on at the death but the Exiles held on.
“The boys have been fantastic,” added Flynn. “They’re coming off the pitch having given everything and as a manager that’s all you can ask for.
“I’m so pleased to see what it means to them in the dressing room after the effort they put in on the pitch.”
Next up for Flynn’s men, who have given themselves a fighting chance, is a tough trip to play-off hopefuls Exeter City before an Easter doubleheader against Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle.