Graham’s grinning in seventh heaven
GRAHAM Westley was purring after Newport County extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a thumping win at Notts County.
Sean Rigg’s opener was followed up by excellent solo strikes from Rhys Healey and Josh Sheehan to lift the Exiles out of the relegation zone.
And after the Meadow Lane success, Westley was quick to praise his squad’s desire.
“I’ve got a tremendous group, with a sensational appetite and they are a joy to work with,” said the Newport chief.
“I’ve not inherited a bottom-of-the-league side.
“I thought that was a strong away performance and we worked very, very hard for the points.
“We were good with and without the ball, and to come to a tough environment like this and get the points was pleasing.
“I’ve said since I’ve been here that I’ve inherited some technically-gifted players.
“We’re pleased to be off the bottom but we’ll soon be back there if we don’t keep winning games.
“We want to progress up but it’s important the league table doesn’t define us.”
After a tepid opening half-hour Newport opened the scoring on 34 minutes when Richard Duffy clattered into Sheehan.
Rigg saw his initial low shot well kept out by Adam Collin but the rebound fell kindly into his path and he fired home with ease.
Newport’s lead was doubled just two minutes later thanks to a wonderful solo goal from Healey. He ran unopposed past a cluster of defenders before curling a shot into the opposite corner for his fifth goal of the season.
Newport’s third was arguably a sweeter strike, as Sheehan smacked a sumptuous half-volley beyond Collin on 62 minutes.
County mustered little in front of goal all afternoon and remain stuck on just one league win at home all season.
And the performance left Magpies boss John Sheridan furious at his side’s showing.
“We didn’t deserve anything out of the game,” he said.
“All those players have played in games before and they need to get their act together.
“I need to sort it out but sometimes I think it’s very hard for a manager.
“I don’t understand how, as a footballer, you don’t want to be successful and want to stay in the team. It’s getting boring for the supporters and boring for the media.
“But I won’t change and I’m going to stick to my principles.”