Abrahams quick fire brace seals County win
Report from Mark Vickery
Venue: University of Bolton Stadium
Bolton Wanderers 0
Newport County 2 (Abrahams 54, 63)
Attendance:
Form:
Newport County WLDWWW
Bolton Wanderers LLLL
PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Bolton are under a bit of pressure having lost first four games despite investing the squad pre-season. County can trouble Bolton but may have some pressure to deal with so key they stick to their game-plan
CONDITIONS
Sunny spells with cool swirling wind. Pitch in excellent condition
SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT
Creative and dynamic in the final third and stood up strongly to everything Bolton offered.
TURNING POINT
Disallowed Bolton game was not pivotal but Abrahams goal soon after was
THE MATCH
County made a couple of changes from Watford League Cup game mid-week with Scott Twine and Ryan Taylor replacing Scott Bennett and Padraig Amond who were on the bench. The early stages were competitive with both sides feeling each other out. On 3 minutes, County created a move out of the blue sweeping forward from deep down the left channel with Haynes pivotal getting beyond former Welsh U21 Gethyn Jones. He threaded a neat through ball for Abrahams and his well timed run took him wide just inside the area but his low shot from 12 yards drifted wide of the right post. County settled quickly and another slick move on 5 minutes saw them work the ball left side and Demetriou did well to contribute sweeping over a decent cross which flashed deep finding Shepherd but his shot on the edge area went straight at keeper Cullin. Bolton were keen to move the ball forward quickly often directly using the robust Delfouneso who was prepared to work the left touchline. On 10 minutes, Delfouneso did well to forced his way to the left byline and clipped a decent cross back post pinpointing Doyle but the cross back was diverted by Demetriou. Bolton gained some confidence to build moves right side with right back Jones prepared to overlap in tandem with Hickman. Twine was forced to drop deeper to get into the game for County with Bolton showing teeth in midfield through Comley and White. On 15 minutes, County opened up Bolton again with a good move on the break right side through Shepherd who combined well to find Taylor inside the area. He caressed a decent pass into Twine who side-stepped a challenge from Taft and saw his snapshot pushed over the bar by Cullin. From the resulting corner, Twine executed a cutting delivery left side which Bolton allowed to drop dangerously and Shepherd was alert but his effort from 8 yards struck the right post. Bolton were forced into some direct play to relieve the pressure with Cullin testing the County with some direct kicks from his hands but the defence kept focussed. On 17 minutes, Taft caught Bolton central defender Taylor with another cumbersome challenge and was fortunate to escape with another warning. Bolton kept working hard to contain County and eased their way into the game with some better retention in midfield and some measured passes to find Delfouneso and Doyle. On 20 minutes, another County corner left side by Twine caused problems for the hesitant Bolton defence and Labadie was closed to poking the ball home at the back post but Taft intercepted. From the resulting corner right side by Dolan, Cooper rose strongly unchallenged but headed home inside the six yard box. Bolton showed their capability moments later from a direct lofted pass with Doyle seeing the ball early to glance into the path of Crawford who got goalside but his rushed effort went well over the bar. Bolton made efforts to pick up their game pressing harder from back to front and another challenge on Taylor by Taft went unpunished. Bolton gained some momentum for a time with some good moves left side involving Delfouneso and Gordon. On 30 minutes, Gordon forced his way left side of the area and his cross into the area was met by White after a late run but his header from 10 yards lack power to trouble Townsend. Bolton had shown vulnerability dealing with crosses and this was evident again on 33 minutes when Cullin dropped a cross from the left. Sheehan seized the loose ball and his cross back into the area found Haynes who struck a neat half volley from 14 yards forcing Cullin to tip over. On 35 minutes, another County corner from the left was played short and the cross by Haynes was met by Cooper who headed over under pressure from Santos. Bolton had a better spell as half time approached forcing County deeper with some snappy challenges in midfield. On 40 minutes, a rare passing error by Sheehan allowed White to seize the ball and pick out the run of Doyle but his shot was well blocked by Demetriou right side of the area. Bolton were awarded a free kick on 43 minutes in a threatening position but Crawford saw his effort pushed away well by Townsend in the right corner. Bolton had their best chance of the half on 45 minutes with Jones make a penetrative run right side and his cross into the box was only half cleared and Delfouneso struck a shot on the turn from 10 yards which Townsend did well to parry for a corner.
Bolton were keen to maintain their momentum after half time but there were options for County on the break. On 48 minutes, Abrahams broke well on the counter carrying his run left side of the 18 yard box and his cross was slightly overplayed when Sheehan was well placed right side of the box. On 52 minutes, County were awarded a corner right side and Dolan swinging in a tantalising cross which Demetriou rose strongly to head back towards Cooper but his header from 8 yards went over under pressure from Taft. County exploited Bolton ruthlessly on 54 minutes a loose pass was picked up quickly by Sheehn who made a piercing run through the middle past Crawford. He linked well to find Labadie who adjusted well to strike a decent effort from 18 yards which Cullin couldn’t retain and Abrahams was on hand to pounce and finish from 8 yards. Bolton remained positive with some strong moves left side involving left back Gordon and Comley. On 57 minutes, Gordon made a forceful run left side of the area and brushed off a challenge by Shepherd to drive inside the box. He cut back a low cross into the six yard and when the ball sat up Delfouneso brought the ball down before slotting home but was penalised for handball. Bolton were incensed but energised from the injustice and kept pressing forcing County onto the back-foot with both full backs influencing wide positions. County kept their shape well and punished them again on 63 minutes with Haynes the architect. He did well to bring the ball down the left flank and cut back inside strike a sweet effort from the left corner of the box. Cullin was only able to parry the effort away and Abrahams was again quickest slotting home calmly inside the six yard box. On 65 minutes. Comley was booked for a late challenge on Shepherd who was advanced near the right touchline. Bolton made a triple substitution on 67 minutes with Isgrove on for Hickman, Tutte replaced Crawford and Gnahoua for Delfouneso. Bolton upped their efforts off the ball winning possession and hold the ball better and County were forced deeper defending. On 69 minutes, Labadie was booked stopping a foray forward by Taft. On 72 minutes, Bolton created an energetic move right side with Isgrove at the heart of the move but Haynes was able to recover and divert for a corner. Isgrove took the corner which pinpointed Taft but his header from 8 yards drifted wide of the left post. County made their first changes moments later with Willmott replacing Twine and Bennett replacing Labadie. County were content to sit back and protect their lead but invited some pressure with Bolton constructing some decent moves with Tutte coordinating the best play. On 75 minutes, Cooper mistimed a tackle from behind on Tutte and was booked by the referee who started to find his cards. County made their final change on 78 minutes with Amond replacing Taylor. County made some efforts to work their left side with Haynes bold when he found space. Bolton remained on top with Doyle not allowing the County defence to rest with his movement across the line. On 80 minutes, Doyle coaxed Sheehan into a foul when he turned off a challenge to threaten the space invited. Gnahoua took the free kick from 25 yards but stuck the effort into the wall. County were struggling to retain the ball so well final third with the Taft and Santos breaking up loose play well. County did have a great chance to add a third on 87 minutes when a loose pass in the middle was seized upon by Sheehan. He found another gear to drive forward and link with Abrahams who threaded a good returning pass but Sheehan saw his effort pushed away by Cullin and cleared off the line by Santos. Bolton kept pressing and worked some patient thoughtful moves but the final ball or crosses lacked quality to trouble the County defence.
Townsend (8) — made a couple of smart instinctive saves first half at key moments. Distributed well from deep and claimed crosses confidently. Kicked well under pressure.
Shepherd (6) — was forced back for spells by Gordon and Delfouneso but held nerve making some good tackles. When he did get forward he used ball effectively and unlucky not to score from corner.
Haynes (8) — influenced game well, was smart and intelligent with his use of the ball and provided some excellent crosses. Dealt well with Jones and a reliable outlet second half which was important
Demetriou (8) — was tested by Doyle throughout but kept his resolve and marshalled threat outside the area. Was strong in the air and was a problem for Bolton throughout on set pieces.
Cooper (7) — did well in the air, put in some excellent tackles and cleared effectively but misplaced a few passes today allowing Bolton to re-group. Had a couple of decent chances on corners.
Dolan (7) — read game well, took on responsibility to clear danger when ball went in behind. Made some sturdy challenges to stifle threat and decent headers to clear. Delivered some excellent set pieces
Sheehan (8) — had his fair share of defensive work to do today especially late on and competed well. Was dynamic coming forward when invited and set up several decent chances. Deserved a goal today.
Labadie (7) — was prominent in the best moves to create threat first half working box to box and went close before he scored. Prepared to put in a few challenges where it hurt before being replaced late on.
Twine (6) — quieter game today but was well marked and found space hard to find. Had to drop deeper to get the ball but was still able to set up some decent moves and unlucky not score.
Abrahams (8) — predatory instinct on both goals, work tirelessly not allowing defenders a moments rest. Took up some excellent positions in transition and when get to the ball first was difficult to prise off.
Taylor (7)– did well first half with his hold up play and intelligent use of the ball. Took a few kicks for the team, didn’t have his own way in the air and was restricted on chances but worked hard throughout.
SWOT ANALYSIS OPPONENTS
Strengths — both full backs were bold and contributed to their best moves. They improved as a passing unit going forward as game progressed
Weaknesses — final ball or cross often lacked quality and got overplayed, both centre backs were slow to read and track danger. Poor dealing with set pieces throughout and keeper had poor handling.
Opportunities — they absorbed pressure and looked to counter in transition first half often playing long balls. Changed tact after conceding second goal to play shorter snappier game but lacked teeth.
Threats — Delfouneso was robust and manufactured some openings, Doyle offered guile in and around the box. Crawford main threat with eye for a pass and runs into area.
OFFICIALS
C Sarginson (7) — generally got the key decisions right but a bit inconsistent with some of the interpretation, fussy with some of the decisions and turning a blind eye to others.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Tristan Abrahams — tireless running off ball but it was not headless. Picked battles well, worked defenders and was always a problem in transition. Took his chances very well and should have got a hat trick.
IF YOU WERE MICHAEL FLYNN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
County showed different aspects of their game today, offering a lot of creativity and invention final third and combined this with intricate build up play and excellent crosses. Despite not having so much control and possession as in previous matches they kept their defensive resolve and shape together to see the game out strongly. Bolton pressed up higher late on forcing some passing errors and County could perhaps have done better in retention through the middle and up top to use the ball more intelligently but they offered little charity today such was their discipline and concentration. Next up is Newcastle United at home in League Cup who played quite a strong side in their previous match against Morecambe. Newcastle have former County keeper Karl Darlow in their ranks who may well figure and they are likely to give game-time to players coming back to fitness like Shelvey and Wilson up top who will offer pace and craft in behind. County need to be bold when invited but need o take responsibility in possession to work chances and not force play.
