Newport defended like machines – Michael Flynn - 7M sport

Newport defended like machines – Michael Flynn



Posted Sunday, September 09, 2018 by PA

Newport defended like machines – Michael Flynn

Newport boss Michael Flynn saluted his team’s defensive effort after they clinched a 1-0 victory at Oldham.

The Exiles have now won four consecutive league games and are level on points with Lincoln at the top of Sky Bet League Two.

They forced Oldham goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz, a Curacao international making his League debut, into two fine saves before the break.

Oldham went close to breaking the deadlock through Johan Branger, but the winner arrived in the 69th minute when Dan Butler set up on-loan Tyreeq Bakinson to slot into the far corner for his first goal since joining from Bristol City.

The home side piled on late pressure, but Branger wasted their best chance and Newport goalkeeper Joe Day was in defiant mood.

The result ended Oldham’s five-match unbeaten run, and Flynn said: “There won’t be many teams who come here and win.

“They are a decent outfit and we weren’t at our attacking best against them, but we defended like absolute machines.

“We kept our shape and discipline and, when Oldham got balls into the box, it was usually met by one of our players.

“We were exceptionally solid. It’s more satisfying to win games like this because they are about keeping team shape and covering for each other.

“Our goal came from a great ball by Dan Butler – a pass from two leagues above – and it was a controlled, accomplished finish by Tyreeq.

“It’s great to have a few points already in the bag and I’m really delighted to win a tough game like this.

“I have told the players that anyone who mentions the ‘p word’ (promotion) is going to get fined. We are doing well, but that’s all at the moment.

“The important thing is that we are doing well as a group. Today we weren’t great going forward, but as a unit we were first-class and it was a very dogged display.

“This is the best group of players I’ve had. They are solid and honest and it’s a joy to manage them.

“The front two shouldn’t have been playing because they are both struggling with injuries, but Padraig Amond put in the most unselfish performance I’ve seen from a striker in most of my career.”

Oldham boss Frankie Bunn said: “That’s the best we’ve played all season and I’m so disappointed with the result.

“Tactically, we were spot on. It’s the first time we’ve encountered a team playing three at the back, but it always felt comfortable until the goal.

“We got into great areas and had good opportunities. It was just a lack of quality in the final third and, at times, making the wrong decision.

“Undoubtedly, there are a lot of positives we can take from that performance.

“Newport defended in numbers and made life difficult, but that’s something we will encounter because we are starting to make a name for ourselves in this league.

“People know we like to pass the ball quickly and play with tempo, so we will find opposition teams trying to slow it down.

“Being Oldham Athletic coming into League Two, with all our history, we are going to be viewed as a big gun in this league.

“We need to adapt to that, but I’m delighted with the performance. It’s becoming the norm that we work very hard and play as a team.

“I’m not condoning losing because it’s all about results, but we did everything except put the ball in the net.

“It has been a tough few weeks and the players need a breather, but we will regroup and be ready to go next Saturday.”

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