Michael Flynn said his Newport County were ‘almost perfect’ in their FA Cup win against League One Walsall.
The Exiles won 2-1 to earn their place in the second round and manager Flynn said: “It was an outstanding, disciplined performance.
“If we cut out those little things, we will be a very good team.
“It was almost a perfect defensive display, we knew they would have a lot of the ball.”
Frank Nouble and Shawn McCoulsky scored Newport’s goals, while Walsall’s reply with 12 minutes left proved to be no more than a consolation.
Nouble’s goal after 18 minutes ended his 12-game run without a goal and McCoulsky made it 2-0 only 25 seconds into the second half. That was McCoulsky’s eighth goal in 13 seasons.
Substitute Amadou Bakayoko replied for Walsall after 78 minutes.
County are in the second round for the fourth time in five seasons and Flynn said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the result and the performance and I’m glad Frank has got on the scoresheet and ended that drought.
“I’m a little bit disappointed with the goal we conceded – if we cut out those little things, we will be a very good team.”
It was County’s first win in four matches and it came in front of the S4C cameras.
“We hadn’t not won for three games and I take it as a compliment that it’s getting mentioned,” said Flynn.
“It’s a great way to bounce back, get into the next round of the FA Cup and earn some important finances for the club.
“I’m praying for another home draw now because we’ll give anyone a game at home.”
Mark O’Brien and David Pipe were recalled with Scot Bennett and Sean Rigg making way, while McCoulsky was given the nod ahead of Padraig Amond.
The next match for Newport is against Cheltenham Town in the Checkatrade Trophy tie at Rodney Parade on Tuesday.
Newport County: Day, White, O’Brien (Bennett 69), Demetriou, Pipe, Dolan, Tozer, Butler, Willmott; Nouble, McCoulsky (Amond, 81)
Subs not used: Bittner, Owen-Evans, Rigg, Reynolds, Jackson.
Referee: Gavin Ward.
Attendance: 2,701.
