By Paul Jones
Battling Newport County still have a two-point lead at the top of League Two thanks to Morrison’s sandwiches and the team’s unquenchable appetite.
Manager Michael Flynn revealed his team had a nightmare trip to Salford City – with motorway delays forcing hastily changed pre-match meal plans – before they snatched a 1-1 draw late on thanks to a penalty from Josh Sheehan.
Salford had taken the lead just before half time through Tom Clarke, but County dug in and were rewarded when Sheehan scored from the spot in the 94th minute after Di’Shon Bernard brought down veteran Newport forward Kevin Ellison.
Typical of their determination was a penalty save by Nick Townsend when his side were still trailing.
“They could’ve easily thrown the towel in tonight by using it [the travelling] as an excuse,” said Flynn.
“We had a nightmare journey on the way up because the motorway was closed, so we couldn’t have our pre-match meal. The boys had to go into Morrisons to get their pre-match food, which made us late. We didn’t get here until 17:55, so nothing was going right.
“They’ve got a fantastic mentality and that’s something that we try to instil into them as well. A lot of the players that we look to bring here already have that, which is why they are attractive to us.
“They kept going and going, and it didn’t look like it was going to be our night, but I can’t fault them. It was a good point away from home against a team who will be up there or there abouts.”
Townsend pulled off a string of remarkable saves and then denied Ian Henderson’s penalty from doubling Salford’s advantage 10 minutes into the second half.
The Exiles goalkeeper kept County in with the chance of earning a share of the spoils, which they managed to do in the dying stages, and his performance in between the sticks was highlighted by Flynn.
“He was immense,” Flynn added.
🗣️Michael Flynn: “They’ve got a fantastic mentality. They kept going and going, and it didn’t look like it was going to be our night, but I can’t fault them.”
👉https://t.co/Wd2dY8HfAw#OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/OZa41c6NJi
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) December 16, 2020
“They worked our goalkeeper a lot more than we worked theirs, but we had more shots and more possession. It doesn’t win you matches but it shows that we’re trying to do things the right way.
“We grew into the game and were by far the better team in the second half. We had more chances than them, although they worked the goalkeeper a lot more than us.
“That’s what we need to be doing – working the goalkeeper and hitting the back of the net more.”
County are two points clear of second-placed Carlisle and four points above the play-off places after taking four points from three successive away games.
They return to Rodney Parade on Saturday when they host Oldham who are back in 16th place.