Michael Flynn’s Exiles are enjoying life near the top of League Two, but the manager wants his team to find a ruthless streak.
Newport-born Flynn has led his County team on a five-game unbeaten run in league and cup, but he is keen to see his team kill off opposing teams when they have the chance.
“We should have scored a lot more and killed them off,” he said after Newport’s 1-0 win against Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade.
“But it was a good performance and we’ll take a home win and a clean sheet.
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“I wasn’t nervous, but they Grimsby some very good players and it only takes a ricochet or a slip at 1-0 and we would have been dragged back to a draw. It’s good to get three points.”
Newport are focused on Tuesday’s Carabao Cup second round tie against Oxford United at Rodney Parade before they go into successive away fixtures at Port Vale and Oldham.
Flynn’s men made it three wins from three at home thanks to Matty Dolan’s first-half free-kick five minutes before half-time.
Teenage forward Marek Harris, on loan from Cardiff City, again impressed alongside Padraig Amond and had a big shout for a penalty turned down just before half-time.
The pace and ability of Harris and Amond caused Grimsby big problems, while Grimsby relied on counter-attacks.
Dolan’s his first goal of this season, scored from 20 yards, beating goalkeeper James McKeown with a superb strike.
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Amond played his part with his presence causing Grimsby defenders and goalkeeper McKeown to lose focus before Dolan smashed home his shot.
Flynn named an uncharged starting line-up from the midweek win against Notts County defender Mickey Demetriou again wearing the captain’s armband with Andrew Crofts again ruled out by a toe infection.
Harris impressed, while another teenager, Tyreeq Bakinson, who constantly caught the eye with his work in midfield.
The Mariners were working hard to find a way to equalise, but their cause was damaged when substitute Wes Thomas was sent off on a straight red card for a foul on Tyler Forbes.
Flynn is likely to make changes to his team for their cup tie against Oxford United on Tuesday.
Newport County AFC (3-5-2): Day, Butler, Demetriou (capt), Bennett, Franks, Pipe, Dolan (Cooper 81), Bakinson, Sheehan (Matt 86), Amond, Harris (Semenyo 72). Subs not used: Townsend, Pipe, Foulston, O’Brien
Grimsby Town (4-1-4-1): McKeown, Davis, Whitmore, Famewo, Hendrie, Welsh (capt), Woolford (Vernam 75), Clifton (M Rose 45), Hessenthaler, Hooper (Thomas 55), Cook. Subs not used: Russell, Robles, Fox, A Rose
Referee: Neil Hair
Attendance: 3,288 (242 away)
