JAMIE’S JOY AT WONDER STRIKE
NEWPORT County match winner Jamie Devitt banished his injury nightmares by firing the Exiles into the second round of the FA Cup. A 30-yard thunderbolt from the on-loan midfielder moved Michael Flynn’s side one step closer to a lucrative third-round tie and got them back to winning ways after Tuesday’s defeat at Carlisle.
Devitt suffered a serious hamstring injury which required surgery, leaving him sidelined for the best part of a year.
But two goals in a week has helped him put the pain of the last 12 months behind him and honed his focus on success at Rodney Parade.
“You probably have to ask my partner and kids about how tough the last year has been because I’ve been moaning and down all the time,” he said.
“They can see how buzzing I am to get back on the pitch so I have to thank them for sticking by me because I was hard work.
“You know when you’ve hit a good one, you just hope the keeper doesn’t pull an arm out of nowhere and save it, but I’m just glad we’re in the hat for the next round and we can look forward to the draw.
“It was good to get on the scoresheet in the week for myself and my confidence but I’m buzzing today because it’s been a long 14 months since I’ve played, and the gaffer has so much faith in me which gives me confidence. I was so happy to repay him.”
Ash Baker had put County in front after pouncing on a loose ball from Leyton Orient goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux and finishing calmly from all of 35 yards.
They were pegged back within four minutes as Hector Kyprinaou grabbed his first senior goal, but there was still time for Devitt to seal a second-round berth.
The 30-year-old received Scot Bennett’s pass 30 yards from goal and picked out the top corner with a thunderous strike to take a step closer to a money-spinning third-round fixture.
“We came down here on the day for the game, we couldn’t afford two overnight stays in a week,” said Flynn. “We left at quarter past eight, the boys from Swansea left an hour earlier. It’s a long day and to put that performance in is unbelievable.
“The league is the priority and I would rather three points, but I will never disrespect the FA Cup because I know what it means to this club.”