A solid whole team performance was the reason for County’s 1-0 victory over Swindon Town, according to Exiles striker Frank Nouble.
The County match-winner came 14 minutes from time, Ben Tozer heading home an inch-perfect Matty Dolan corner kick to give the Exiles a first league win in seven attempts.
Nouble himself had a huge part to play in the result at the County Ground. Alongside fellow-attacker Shawn McCoulsky, the pair caused havoc to the Swindon defence throughout the game and provided the defence with a route away from goal when under pressure late-on.
The striker couldn’t add to his tally of seven goals already this campaign in Wiltshire, however, although will now be looking to get his fifth at Rodney Parade next weekend.
Post-match, Frank spoke exclusively to iFollow Exiles about the victory over Swindon, the fantastic away support of 880 at the County Ground and his thoughts ahead of the crucial Emirates FA Cup tie with Cambridge United.
On the Swindon Town game…
“I thought the boys worked really hard and we’ve come here against a good Swindon side and really outplayed them. Every man put in a huge shift today and I think we got the result we deserved.
“The fans were also brilliant today, came in their numbers what with it being a local game for them.
“We’re really happy to get something for all of them because we have been in a little blip over the last few games, so it feels really good.
“We want to win as much as anyone does so today is something we’re going to hold very dear to our hearts and we’ve just got to try to continue our form now.”
On his own performance individually…
“I enjoyed my performance.
“I always try to give it everything I can. If I get the ball, I want to be positive, so I try and take people on.
“I got fouled on the break a few times today which was unfortunate, but I did enjoy it.
“It was a big game for us really. But, big occasions bring big players and I think we all produced today.”
On Ben Tozer’s match-winning goal…
“It was a great header so I’m buzzing for him.
“I’m happy for him to get his goal and get all the limelight from the game today because Ben has dug us out of a lot of situations this season.
“Ben Tozer can play anywhere on the field so we’re just lucky to have a player like him. I think a goal like this one today will give him more confidence for the next few games.”
On keeping a first clean sheet since October 14th…
“We’ve taken the lead in the last few games and couldn’t quite hold it.
“Today they hit the cross bar last second which was frustrating for us seeing that, because we thought that we’d done well, and they hadn’t had a clear-cut chance up until then.
“The gods were with us today, we’ve tactically done everything right and thankfully we got the result.”
On captain Joss Labadie making his first start for the Exiles in just over a month…
“If he’s not playing, then we’re weakened is what it means.
“He’s the heart of this team. He’s our captain for a reason, we miss him a lot when he’s not there so of course we’re buzzing to have him back.
“He had to come off because he ran a bit too much considering how much he hasn’t played recently but we won with him in there and we’re really happy to have him back.”
On the Emirates FA Cup Second Round tie with Cambridge United next Sunday…
“It’s a massive game.
“Another game that we want to win of course. We’re really looking forward to that game, it’s at home and hopefully the fans will come in their numbers and see another positive performance.
“We haven’t played that well at home recently so hopefully we can change that around.”
On his previous experiences of the Emirates FA Cup…
“Honestly, I can’t remember!
“I’ve been at so many clubs that I can’t remember any decent run. I’ve been to the third round a few times and I’ve started at the third round as-well.
“That’s all in the past, all that matters now is Cambridge and we firmly have our sights on them.
“If we can get to the third round, then obviously we want one of the big teams in the draw.
“But for us, I think we just need to concentrate on what is in-front of us. Cambridge will be a tough test but we’re quietly confident about it.”