Shawn McCoulsky scored his eighth goal of the season in the stunning 2-1 Emirates FA Cup victory over League 1 side Walsall at Rodney Parade.
On just his second start since the beginning of September, McCoulsky followed up Frank Nouble’s first-half opener with his own strike just 26 seconds into the second half, firing back across goal into the far corner following a brilliant run and pass from Ben White.
The goal means McCoulsky has scored in five of the last six matches, including netting in each of the last four matches in all competitions at Rodney Parade.
The Bristol City loanee remains as County’s top scorer for the campaign following his goal and has now scored in every competition for the Exiles.
Post-match, he spoke exclusively to iFollow Exiles about the victory against higher opposition, his thoughts on both County goals and his scintillating spell of good form.
On the victory over Walsall…
“It was brilliant.
“A brilliant team performance from the lads from start to finish.
“We did it to another League 1 side earlier this season in Southend and knocked them out of the Carabao Cup so we just wanted to try to do it again to another League 1 side.
“We did that tonight, I’m really pleased for the lads and obviously very pleased to get my goal tonight.
“We punished them, finished our chances well and we’re looking forward to the next round now.”
On his goal…
“It was a brilliant run from Ben White coming out from centre-back.
“I saw the space, properly shouted at him to pass me the ball and he’s put a great ball in-front of me. I just saw a little bit of space on the right-side of the keeper and just picked my corner.
“It was very good for us to get a goal straight away in the second-half, so we could then sit back and see the game out.
“Luckily the shot went in.”
On Frank Nouble’s opener…
“It was a brilliant goal.
“Frank picked the ball up from deep, obviously he’s very good on the ball and he took a chance with the shot.
“If you don’t shoot then you don’t score so I’m very pleased for Frank. I think it took a little deflection but I’m sure he’ll take that.
“I’m very pleased for him and the boys are very pleased that he’s back, he’s got that monkey off his back now so yeah, very pleased for Frank.”
On his terrific run of form in recent matches…
“It’s always good to get minutes and definitely good to start as-well.
“The gaffer just said there was no pressure and for me to try and do what I have to do. Obviously, he wanted me to run in behind, show my strengths and just do what I do.
“I’m very happy to get the start, I thank him for that and I’ve just got to keep on building now and carry on doing what I’m doing and think about the next game now.”
On a resolute defensive display…
“Last minutes in the game, we just had to keep our shape.
“We needed to stay compact and obviously not allow them to play through us. That’s what we did, we did it very well and as a striker, you have to do the defensive roles as well and that’s what me, Frank and Podge did.
“Obviously, they were getting into the game more than us and we just thought that we were 2-0 up so we focused on keeping our shape.
“If we could then get a counter-attack, then we would get a counter-attack.
“Most importantly, we needed to keep our shape, try to keep crosses out of the box and try to prevent them from scoring.”
On the Cheltenham Town game tomorrow night…
“It’s always good to play football and it’s always good to play games.
“I’m looking forward to that game and hopefully I can get another goal and get another win for the team.
“It (losing to Maidstone 4-2) might have a little effect on them but every game is a new game to try and do something different.
“We’ll just go into the game as we did today and try to get another win.”
On tonight’s Emirates FA Cup draw…
“I don’t really have a preference.
“Obviously, the Manchester United’s and Chelsea’s aren’t coming in yet, so I don’t really mind who we get.
“Just as long as we keep progressing in the competition and we keep winning then that’s all that matters."