Happy new year as Exiles triumph

NEWPORT COUNTY ........ 2 EXETER CITY ................... 1

NEWPORT County opened 2018 with a morale-boosting victory over League Two highflyers Exeter City at Rodney Parade, writes Jay Bayford.

The Exiles had won just two of their previous 12 league fixtures but were deserved winners after producing a solid performance.

Mike Flynn made one change as he welcomed back skipper Joss Labadie from suspension, with youngster Tom OwenEvans dropping to the bench, and the midfielder almost made the perfect return as he flicked a Matty Dolan corner onto the near post in the opening few minutes.

But the hosts didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal.

A quick free kick, won by Labadie, was worked down the right wing and Robbie Willmott’s cross was met by the leaping Padraig Amond, who looped the ball over Christy Pym.

County’s high-tempo approach almost saw Irish forward Amond double his tally but Danny Seaborne blocked his close-range effort.

The hosts continued to pressure the Grecians’ defence with Exeter unable to contain Amond and Frank Nouble while Labadie pulled the strings from midfield, however, they failed to add to their lead before the break.

After dominating the opening 45 minutes, Newport had Butler to thank for keeping their lead in tact as the defender managed to block Lloyd James’ goalbound effort after some hesitant defending from the hosts before Jake Taylor curled an effort just wide of Joe Day’s post.

But they were warnings that County failed to take as Jayden Stockley rose highest to head in Taylor’s cross moments later.

The momentum remained with Exeter and James, who was fortunate to only be shown a yellow card for a reckless lunge on Mickey Demetriou, should have put them ahead but he headed over from a few yards out when unmarked in the box.

As the game went on County regained their composure and they went back ahead through a 25-yard strike from Willmott after superb play from David Pipe and Amond on the left wing.