Jamille Matt and Padraig Amond bringing up 25 goals between them in the victory over Wrexham AFC shows just how strong this Newport County AFC squad is, according to Exiles winger Robbie Willmott.
On a night where County set-up a Third-Round tie with former Premier League champions Leicester City, Willmott also made a welcome return from injury having been forced off against Colchester United last month.
Luke Young’s 12th minute red card gave County the platform to build upon when taking the game away from their visitors, although they couldn’t break the deadlock before half-time.
Padraig Amond’s reaction header on 49 minutes finally changed things at Rodney Parade, before a clinical finish from Jamille Matt, an own-goal from Mark Carrington and a thunderbolt from Dan Butler saw the Exiles to a comfortable victory.
Here, you can read what Willmott exclusively told iFollow Exiles following the conclusion of the contest.
On the comprehensive victory over Wrexham AFC…
“We knew that after the red card, they were going to have to drop back and make two banks of four. It was then just about being patient and breaking them down.
“I thought first-half we were just sloppy in possession, gaffer addressed that at half-time and felt we needed some width to get around them.
“First-goal was great, we work on set-pieces a lot and it’s gone in nicely. The goals then followed and it’s a nice result for us to achieve.
“It’s obviously nice that happened [most of the goals followed after his introduction.] To get another assist was great, that’s seven or eight I think and I’m just buzzing to get another assist because it helps the team along.
“I used the word ruthless when talking to the lads after we got the second, I just said we need to put these to bed now and we need to be ruthless.
“We needed to stop missing silly chances because you see all the time in FA Cup matches where teams with 10 men come back with some spirit behind them. We couldn’t afford to do anything silly and thankfully it worked for us and we’re through to the next round.
“We’ve got a massive tie now with Leicester City. It’s another big day for the fans and if we can get another crowd like against Tottenham Hotspur last season then it’ll be amazing.”
On his return from a month out with injury…
“It was a quick recovery to be fair – did everything with the physio, in on Saturday and Sunday mornings doing my work.
“Luckily for myself, it healed quick. I did target this game initially because I knew how big this game was for the club. I wanted to get back – everyone knows my love for this club. I would do anything for this club.
“It’s the gaffer’s decision whether I’m ready to start on Saturday against MK Dons. I’m 100% ready but if the gaffer decides he wants me as an impact player again then I’m more than happy to do that.
“I’m more than happy to do anything for this club as everyone will know.”
On Jamille Matt and Padraig Amond adding another goal to their respective tallies…
“I’ll be honest, they are both a pleasure to play with.
I’d probably call myself an own school winger because I like to get the ball into the box and I like to give my strikers every opportunity of scoring.
“If I can get 20 assists and they get 20 goals then I’m more than happy. I’m just buzzing for both of them, Jamille has been on fire this season and it’s not just his goals, it’s his work-rate and that’s the same with Podge.
“Podge dropped into the number 10 position almost and he still worked his socks off for the club. I can’t fault either of them, they’ve been immense this season.
“They are a very dangerous partnership and 25 goals between them already is amazing.”
On hosting League Two pace setters MK Dons on Saturday…
“I would agree with the gaffer and say MK Dons are the best team in this league.
“Paul Tisdale has been around for ages. I’ve played against many of his sides in the Conference and now in the Football League. To be fair to him, he plays the game in the right way – likes to pass the ball so being a MK Dons supporter must be a pleasure because they do play some nice stuff.
“Then they’ve got Chuks Aneke and Kieran Agard who are arguably League One or Championship players.
“Obviously got a big budget as well, massive stadium and they were probably backed to go straight back up to League One before the start of the season.
“We have to make it a hostile environment like the fans do all the time because I’m sure they won’t have been to places like Newport before.
“We’ve got to just make it our game really – don’t play into their hands and we’ve got every opportunity coming off the back of this win and we’ll have every bit of confidence now.”
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