Flynn hopes finish is just the start for Matt

Posted Sunday, September 08, 2019 by PA

Newport manager Michael Flynn is hoping Jamille Matt can go on a goalscoring run after breaking his duck to earn a 1-0 League Two victory over Port Vale.

The Exiles striker was unleashed from the bench and scored his first goal of the season after 77 minutes to take his side’s unbeaten run to 17 league matches.

Matt was then dragged down in the box by Port Vale captain Leon Legge, but Padraig Amond saw his penalty saved by Scott Brown.

Legge hit the bar with a header in added time but Newport saw out the game to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Flynn said: “I’m over the moon for Jamille because he’s been frustrated and snatching at things as he’s tried to get off the mark and get that first goal, but he’s done it now.

“The burden has been shaken off and I hope he can go on a bit of a run now.”

On today’s performance, Flynn continued: “They don’t like doing anything easy for me but they gave their all and were fantastic.

“We just needed that little bit extra in the final third but we were so resilient with our defending all over the pitch.

“We were at home and we were the only team looking to win it, so I went for it. I took the right-back off, Robbie slotted in well and it gave us more pace and attacking threat down the right.

“The most important thing is the three points, it’s a team game and the defending comes from the front as well. It’s great to see the substitutes do well too.”

Second-half substitute Jordan Archer was carried off on a stretcher for the visitors in the final 11 minutes and assistant manager Dave Kevan provided the post-match update.

He said: “Jordan has hurt his shoulder, it may be dislocated but I haven’t seen the physio yet. He’s in a lot of discomfort and we’ll know more soon.

“We feel as if we did enough to take something from the game, as the game wore on we grew into it.

“They are a very strong team, especially at Rodney Parade, their record speaks for itself. But we’ve more than matched them all the way.

“We can be proud of our lads and the effort and commitment they put in.

“We’ve shown we can be a match for anyone in the league. We know we can play better but in terms of our commitment, work rate and contesting every ball, we have to be pleased.

Vale goalkeeper Scott Brown saved a late Padraig Amond penalty and Kevan added: “I’m delighted with Scott. He’s got that ability to keep a penalty out in his locker.

“If they had scored and it had finished 2-0, that would have been harsh on us because it was a closely contested game.”