Experienced Exile Scot Bennett shared his verdict on yesterday’s clash after the Exiles were held to a 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade against a resilient Grimsby side.
It was Newport County who controlled the game for the most part. Both sides went in level at the break after chances for both teams which challenged each keeper, but it was Newport who broke the deadlock via Omar Bogle in the 72nd minute after McLoughlin’s cross was poked home by the striker to send Rodney Parade into chaos. Grimsby replied though, just five minutes later when their captain, Danny Rose got on the end of a superb cross from substitute Holohan to secure a share of the spoils.
Midfielder and experienced head Scot Bennett gave his view on the clash: “I think we controlled the game, particularly in the first half,” he began.
“Grimsby saw more of the ball In the second half but we kept a good shape and caught them well on the counter [attack].
“We just couldn’t get that second goal, then the goal that we concede is sloppy. A couple of us including me have got to do better, I’ve got to get back quicker and it’s disappointing, it’s disappointing to drop those two points.”
Manager Graham Coughlan shared his disappointment post Tranmere and post Grimsby as he felt his side were dropping points ‘willy-nilly’. Newport suffered two late goals against Tranmere to drop three points and suffered a late goal from Grimsby forcing them to settle for just one point. Bennett echoed the Gaffer’s concerns and agreed it’s an issue that needs addressing: “We’ve got to look at ourselves, it can’t keep happening,” he claimed.
“When you got one or two goals in front, you have to see the game out and that is something we have to get better at.”
The Exiles have a week off now with no midweek clash, but one big tie at the end of it before the Christmas break in Wrexham, and it’s one that the players are looking forward too: “I’m massively looking forward too it,” stated Bennett.
“I played in the FA Cup clash previously and the atmosphere was amazing.
“It is a derby, they [media] call it a derby even though it is so far away and it’s felt like one the past two times I’ve faced them.
“We’re expecting a good atmosphere and we’re hoping we can put in a strong performance.”
The Exiles will look to take three points this coming Saturday as they head to the Stok Cae Ras in Sky Bet League Two to take on Wrexham.