Mike Flynn says he is proud of the way that the Exiles responded to last week’s defeat to Morecambe in the 1-0 victory over Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade.
For the second home game in succession, Padraig Amond was the match-winner with another instinctive finish on 63 minutes.
This time, the goal came courtesy of a long-throw from Ben Tozer. And when Frank Nouble had got above his man to head it across goal, Amond was there ahead of his marker to fire home from eight yards.
That saw the Exiles rise to 8th place in League 2, leaving Flynn delighted with the side's attitude during the game.
“I am very pleased,” he said.
“I told you that I would get a response from the players. I know them well and I know what character they are.
“Of course, the best way to put the Morecambe game to bed was by going out there and putting together a much improved performance. We showed last week was a one-off and it’s definitely put to bed now.”
Flynn was also pleased with the way in which his side controlled the game so comfortably. The Exiles created an abundance of opportunities, and if it hadn’t have been for away goalkeeper James McKeown, County could have had more goals during the game.
The away keeper superbly denied Amond twice in the first-half, before making a double save to deny Mark O’Brien and Ben Tozer.
But the Exiles finally found a way past McKeown in the second-half, something Flynn credited his players for post-match.
“They were excellent,” he continued.
“They were absolutely superb and it should have been a lot more comfortable if we’re honest. I can’t really think of much that they had, maybe a header first half and a little scramble second half.
“We should have been out of sight, I think they cleared three off the line in the first-half but listen, I’ll take three points and a 1-0 win every day of the week.”
Amond’s decisive goal was the third that the Irishman has scored for the Exiles since joining the club in the summer, all of which have come at Rodney Parade.
And Flynn was full of praise for the goal scorer and fellow attacker Frank Nouble, who have started the last five games together up-front.
“He’s scored three in six games which is not a bad record,” he added.
“Let’s be honest about it and say that if he was going to score every game then we would never have brought him here.
“It’s his work-rate as-well, the work he does off the ball is superb.
“For the last few weeks, him and Frank have been up-front in a two and they are starting to get that understanding between themselves so I’m very pleased and it’s looking good moving forward.”
The game also saw captain Joss Labadie and Mark O’Brien make a welcome return to the starting side.
Labadie missed the Cheltenham and Morecambe games after coming off just before half-time against Wycombe with a groin complaint, while O’Brien missed all three of those games with a foot problem.
And Flynn was delighted to see the pair return.
He commented: “Like I said last week, they are two big players for us.
“They are two leaders and I thought they were both exceptional. I didn’t really want to take either of them off but I had to be cautious and think about Tuesday.
“I didn’t want Mark getting any more cramp and it turning into a strain which turned into him missing the next two or three.
“Like I said, they are both big players for us and they both bring that mentality into the side.”
The Mariners trip to Rodney Parade also saw Matty Dolan miss out for the first time in the league this season.
Prior to the game, Dolan had only missed 15 minutes of league action after coming off late-on at Exeter City.
But Flynn says the midfielder had earned the rest, and was encouraged by the players chosen to fill the void.
He said: “I’m pleased with all of them to be honest but I just felt Matty needed a rest.
“Matty is a great lad and he’ll bounce back after a rest. He’s chomping at the bit now and he’ll be ready for Tuesday.
“We have three games in a week, and realistically I doubt that Joss or Mark will make all three games, Ben Tozer might not either so we had to be careful in our selection and fortunately we got it right today.”
The Exiles now turn their attentions to the trip to Crawley Town on Tuesday.
And while the Exiles picked up no further injuries ahead of the visit to Sussex, Flynn confirmed that Marlon Jackson and Reece Cole will both remain unavailable for the game.
He added: “They won’t be back unfortunately, no.”
NEXT UP: The Exiles face Crawley Town on Tuesday night. Tickets can be bought on the gate.
NEXT UP AT HOME: We face Yeovil Town on the 7th October at Rodney Parade! Get your tickets here.