A very Good Friday promises better things for County
NEWPORT County manager Graham Coughlan hopes Friday’s superb 3-0 win over promotionchasing Northampton Town is a sign of things to come for his side.
The Exiles strolled to a surprise three points against the secondplaced Cobblers, who hadn’t lost since February.
Omar Bogle’s opener two minutes before the break put County on the road to victory in the Bank Holiday sun at Rodney Parade.
And the former Cardiff City striker settled the contest with a stoppagetime penalty, before a last-gasp third from substitute Charlie McNeill made it a very Good Friday for Coughlan’s men.
“The boys were very good,” said the Exiles boss.
“They were a little bit flat for the first 20 minutes but after that we took control and played some good stuff.
“For once I was pleased because we were very clinical in attack, we took our chances.
“We were running out of legs but the bench again played a massive part, which has been a trend over recent months,” he added.
“That showed the quality and experience that we have on the bench.
“Declan [Drysdale] was excellent and was playing on adrenalin for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
“He is a brilliant character to have in your camp.”
Coughlan also praised the contribution of the home fans at Rodney
Parade in getting his side over the line.
“The crowd were outstanding,” said the Irishman. “We were flat in periods and they were banging their drum and singing their songs.
“You can’t underestimate how invaluable the fans are when the sun is shining and energy levels are dropping. They energised us.
“It was a big effort from the lads and they fully deserved the three points – and we want more.”
The win lifted County to 17th in the table, but the manager is not satisfied with simply putting relegation fears to bed.
“It’s a terrible position to be in, let’s have it right,” said Coughlan. “We don’t want to be this end of the table, that’s not how I am built or the players are built.
“We’ve had to pick the players up [when arriving in mid-October] and it’s been a long, hard slog.
“Hopefully we have got to the other side and can build some momentum and put something together for the future.
“I was asked to do a job when I came in, it’s not done but we are on the right road.”
County are nine points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand and they will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches when they travel to promotion hopefuls Stockport County tomorrow.
The Hatters are fifth in the table, only two points off the automatic promotion places.