County dog out first ever win at Stevenage

Report from Mark Vickery

Venue: Lamex Stadium

Stevenage 0

Newport County 1 (Abrahams pen 8)

Attendance:

Form:

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Stevenage LDWWLLLLdL

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Stevenage have been on a poor run recently but have improved under new manager Alex Revell. Key County win their battles and use the ball effectively when they have it

CONDITIONS
Damp, mild and cloudy light breeze. Pitch was quick on top but in decent condition

SUMMING UP OUR PERFORMANCE IN ONE STATEMENT
Focussed, determined, resilient and needed to be with chances at a premium tonight

TURNING POINT
First goal was always going to be key but Townsend save early in second half was important.

THE MATCH
County retained the same side that won against Tranmere on Saturday and were put under some pressure early on with Stevenage sweeping forward on the break to exploit space right side through Newton. He struck a decent effort from the right side of the area which struck the bar and the rebound was latched upon by Aitchison the quickest left side of the area but the shot fizzed wide of the left post from an acute angle. County made efforts to settle into their rhythm with some thoughtful moves from deep. On 5 minutes, Stevenage pressed harder with their front three attempting to close down a County move starting inside their own box by Dolan. He switched play well to find the run of Janneh right channel who made a strong run to the right side of the area and his low dangerous cross was cut out by Cuthbert ahead of Abrahams. County kept plugging away and they worked a clever move on 8 minutes with Shepherd instrumental in linking play to receive a pass right side of the area from Abrahams. Shepherd tricked his way inside and drew a foul by Coker to gain a penalty. Abrahams stepped with a confident placement into the left corner with keeper going the wrong way. Stevenage made efforts to raise their game with some direct play with Cuthbert and Prosser launching some balls for Oteh left side. County continued to work some intricate moves but Stevenage were quick to deny space especially on throw ins and set their stall out to exploit County in transition with Coker and Vincelot snapping at challenges looking to release into Aitchison as a further link up the pitch. Stevenage push their wide players on some overzealously on times leaving gaps in behind. On 16 minutes, County had a great chance to exploit them when a Stevenage move broke down and Twine picked out the run of Abrahams in space right side of the area. He had time to carry the ball closer with only Wilson back but somewhat rushed his effort with a low shot from 14 yards which the keeper Cummings saved low down. Stevenage persisted with pushing high and there were options with the direct ball to pinpoint Janneh and Abrahams when County stole possession. Stevenage remained a threat from some opportunist bursts forward usually when County lost the ball in wide positions and Aitchison offered plenty of verve carrying the ball left channel to pick holes. County remained vigilant with Cooper and Demetriou doing well to divert or clear the danger. On 25 minutes, Stevenage had a half chance from some better cohesion final third that forced County to defend deeper and struggle to clear their lines. Vincelot was well positioned and addressed an early shot but it went well over the bar. The match remained open with both sides asking questions and this suited County who started to gain momentum left side with Haynes coming into the game. Stevenage were given a warning on 28 minutes when lost possession deep inside the County half and Twine made a strong run left channel to stretch the play. He cut back a decent cross to the front post which caught Stevenage napping and Janneh forced a save from Cummings but the move was adjudged to be offside. County elected to play direct on times which caused problems for Stevenage with centre backs Prosser and Cuthbert rushed into some clearances. On 30 minutes, Stevenage had a glimmer of a chance when a corner seized upon by Prosser and he set up a snapshot for Osborne edge of the area but the rising shot went over the bar. With the game ebbing and flowing, County had a free kick in a threatening position moments later when Twine made a piercing run through the middle but was crudely obstructed by Osborne. Twine took the free kick and whipped in a decent effort from 25 yards but the keeper read it well. County kept persisting left side and a more cutting move on 35 minutes saw Haynes break from deep leaving Hutton in his tracks. From a wide position, he swept in an excellent low cross which was begging to be turned in but Cuthbert again read it well to clear. The game remained competitive as half time approach with County making efforts to build possession despite Stevenage snapping at their heels and Vincelot was fortunate to escape without a card for bowling over Labadie with a high challenge. Cuthbert was then booked on 38 minutes for a lunging tackle from behind on Janneh who did well to drop in short to initiate a move. Stevenage had another shot from distance in first half injury time when a shot on the turn by Newton went over the bar

The game continued to degrade after half time with several interrupting challenges and Vincelot again toeing the line when caught Labadie late on 47 minutes. On 50 minutes, County had the opportunity to work the ball inside their own half but some indecision allowed Oteh to pinch the ball left side and drive into space. He threaded a good pass to feet to find Aitchison who angled his run inside left corner of the box and blasted a low effort which was well parried by Townsend and cleared to safety by Demetriou. The fouls continued to reign in with both sides struggling to gain momentum and County had to be content with picking up bit and pieces. County had a couple of good situations in and around the box but were a little off the pace picking up the loose ball or overrunning possession. Stevenage made the first change on 62 minutes with Read replacing Vincelot to offer more energy and movement in the middle. On 64 minutes, Stevenage worked a decent move right side when they worked a low move right side with Osborne releasing Oteh right side of the box and his low drive was well blocked by Cooper. County freshened their approach on 66 minutes with Amond replacing Abrahams and prised open an opportunity within a minute. Sheehan started the move from deep when he switched play well with a pinpoint pass from the left channel to find the run of Shepherd right side of the area. He did well to bring the ball down and drive beyond Coker to the byline but the low cross was intercepted at the front post by Prosser. County made another change on 68 minutes with Bennett replacing Twine setting their intention to protect their lead. On 70 minutes, County won a corner right side which Dolan delivered with venom into the six yard box forcing a weak clearance. Labadie anticipated well and was unfortunate to see his shot on the turn blocked by Wilson. Stevenage made another change on 75 minutes with Oteh replaced by Marsh and followed this soon after with another striker Effiong replacing Hutton. County was forced deeper in the final stages and worked hard to contain Stevenage marking well and limiting their threat from wide areas. County introduced their final change on 84 minutes with Willmott replacing Janneh and he dropped into midfield. On 86 minutes, a direct Stevenage move left side saw them feed Effiong with a quick ball. He did well to brush off a challenge by Cooper and find Coker who linked inside to find Newton but his shot from 25 yards was well over the bar. With Stevenage pushing forward, County had a decent chance to kill off the game on 89 minutes from a bright move left side when Haynes combined well with Amond. He caressed a good ball inside for Labadie who stole into the area smartly but the shot from 10 yards lacked punch. Stevenage worked some good moves late into injury time to ask questions but County dealt well with the crosses getting the ball safe. In the fourth minute of injury time there was another decent opportunity for County after some intelligent play by Labadie near the edge of the area coaxed a late challenge by Read. Dolan took the free kick and was precise clipping in a low delivery but the keeper held the ball well. Deep in injury time a weak clearance by Stevenage keeper was picked up by Sheehan inside the centre circle and his ambitious first time effort just cleared the corner of the right post and bar with the keeper miles off his line. County held for a hard-fought ugly win but satisfying nevertheless being their first at Stevenage since returning to the football league.

Townsend (8) — instigated moves from deep with some quick thought and neat distribution. Made an important save after half time and dealt bravely with crosses especially late on

Shepherd (7) — was bright in spells first half and despite being under some pressure, was robust and stole forward to win the penalty. Got into some intelligent positions timing his runs.

Haynes (7) — felt his way into the game and put in several decent crosses in lead up to half time which deserved better. Was forced back deeper second half but let little goalside and distributed well

Demetriou (8) — saw the ball early to stifle the threat, dominated the aerial duals with some neat headers and when he got turned back was effective clearing his lines.

Cooper (7) — saw less of the ball with feet and kept passing efficient often direct but some of his passes lacked usual precision. Had his hands full with Oteh and later Effiong but marshalled threat well.

Dolan (7) — was at the heart of the smarter moves first half to open up space, but under more pressure after half time. Won some brave tackles putting his head where it hurts a few times.

Sheehan (6) — on the end of few late tackles had spells when he got on the ball and made game tick but got bogged down a bit in congested midfield. Had to sit deeper to pick passes which were effective.

Labadie (6) — competed well aerially and on the floor. had to take a few knocks for his sins. Lacked usual bite and was perhaps a bit off the pace late on when the second ball or drop down was there for him

Twine (6) — did his best work first half but was well marked by Osborne. Game suited him when it was more open in the first half but struggled for impact later when game become untidy.

Abrahams (6) — got into some good positions when the ball was worked quickly in the transition from deep. Snatched at a decent chance first half and was restricted higher up pitch after half time.

Janneh (7) — will be disappointed not able to work more shots on goal but did a lot of good work to unsettle defenders and was agile with movement anticipating well to get ahead of centre backs.

SWOT ANALYSIS OPPONENTS
Strengths — centre backs were robust and uncompromising. Their work ethic kept them in the game and they were organised coming forward but flattered to deceive.

Weaknesses — got left exposed in wide positions and weak heading from wide positions. Committed several fouls, some they got away with and lacking cutting edge.

Opportunities — the were bold pushing three up top forward to press and gambled off mistakes made by County. Had most of their strikers on the pitch at the end.
Threats — Aitchison offered strength and guile with shots on goal. Eteh and Effiong were robust and the most cohesive moves went through them.

OFFICIALS
L Swabey (6) — didn’t do a lot wrong but frustrated both sides with degrees of leniency and then allowed players to infringe for yards on free kicks and throws ins.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Mickey Demetriou — lead defence well and gave County assurance. Forcing sides to direct their kicks to the opposite side such his aerial dominance and efficiency winning his tackles

IF YOU WERE MICHAEL FLYNN WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

County offered little charity to Stevenage who were set up for the opportunist pinch and steal off County throws ins or passing mistakes. Stevenage worked very hard off the ball and had determination to win their tackles forcing County to change their tact second half and by the end they had at least four strikers on the pitch. County are finding sides are setting themselves to pack or suffocate the midfield and the high press Stevenage meant County had to play direct on times. They were ready for this and did this well first half with some thoughtful measured passes and when the ball was kept live County were always a threat. This was an ugly win in the end with the game deteriorating a lot second half with several fouls interrupting the flow of the game. County can improve on their alertness to pick up the second ball in the final third, recycle and can sharpen their finishing inside the area with some good situations being squandered due to weak finishing or not finding the free man. Next up is Bradford City away who have moved away from playing three at the back unsuccessfully to play a more conventional 4–4–2 to be more productive from wide play. County will need to tame threat from crosses and direct outlet offered by Donaldson and Guthrie with Novak picking up bits and pieces.