Flynn delighted with victory ahead of Cup test with Toon
MIKE Flynn was full of praise for a perfect Newport County display as the Exiles warmed up for Wednesday’s huge Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United by downing Bolton Wanderers.
Striker Tristan Abrahams moved to five goals for the season by scoring twice in the second half as County ended the weekend third in the League Two table. It is early days in the domestic campaign, but Newport and Abrahams have started in fine fashion and Flynn’s men were fully deserving of the three points at Bolton.
Newport manager Flynn said: “It was an excellent performance. Coming up here for a long away trip I thought we were excellent. We could have scored six or seven today to be honest.
“I’ve just said to Coops (Brandon Cooper) the centre-back he could have had a hat-trick of headers. Liam Shephard could have had a few. Tristan again could have had a hattrick and Josh Sheehan missed a chance. It was the perfect away performance against a team who are going to come good. “Let’s not get carried away. We’re still at the start of the season, but it’s a great start for Tristan. He’s got five goals already and he’ll thrive off that. He’s a great kid and works so hard for the team. “Look at him at the end closing down – that’s what we’re about as a team. We were still pressing when the game was won, the shape was excellent, and the togetherness was second to none.”
Abrahams’ goals have already sent Championship sides Swansea and Watford tumbling out of the Carabao Cup and next he’ll have Steve Bruce’s Newcastle in his sights. The game with the Magpies will be shown live on Sky Sports which will earn County some priceless television revenue at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic continues to hit finances hard.
“It’s brilliant for us to be live on Sky playing a Premier League team and we can look forward to it now after that performance and a great result,” Flynn said.
“Any extra money that isn’t budgeted for is a godsend for all clubs, not just us. The players should be proud they’re playing their part in brining money in. I know it’s their job to win football matches, but they should also be proud as it’s a fantastic achievement.”
The only thing missing for Flynn in the first half at Bolton was a goal as his team dominated and went close on several occasions.
Cooper missed a sitter and Shephard struck the post from a corner. Abrahams opened the scoring in the 54th minute when captain Joss Labadie shot from distance and Bolton goalkeeper Billy Crellin couldn’t hold the ball. Abrahams tapped home.