Newport striker Will Evans praised his teammate’s fighting spirit after Newport County secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day.
Rovers took a two-goal lead into the break when Ryan Delaney headed a free-kick into his own net, before Matty Stevens beat the advancing Nick Townsend shortly before half-time.
Following a red card to Callum Jones early in the second period, a brace from Evans, along with strikes from Lewis Payne and Delaney at the other end ensured the Exiles secured maximum points in Sky Bet League Two.
“I suppose it was a game of two halves,” said Evans.
“The first two minutes put us on the back foot straight away. We knew Forest Green were going to come here fighting, and with a new manager, it’s always hard to know how it’s going to pan out.
“They had a couple of good balls in behind, they got a second goal and we had to re-group at half-time. It was one of them times where we said ‘It’s down to us now lads, it’s up to us if we really want it’.
“You can talk about the red card and of course that does change things, but I’m really proud of the boys the way we changed the game in the end.
“When you get the crowd on your side like we did second half, whether it’s a goal or a red card, the game can change instantly. The fans were amazing, and any little excuse to get up and get excited, they will. It was a massive result for us in the end.”
The Exiles return to action in quick succession as they host Crewe Alexandra at Rodney Parade on Friday night and Evans, who netted a goal against The Railwaymen back in the reverse fixture in August, believes it’s a big opportunity to gain back-to-back victories for the first time since November.
“We’re at home and that’s always a massive advantage to us with the magnificent home support we’ve got,” added Evans.
“It’s about using the second-half momentum now from today into Crewe on Friday. We’ve got to be on the front foot because everyone knows Newport is a much better club when they play on the front foot.
“If we can take that second half into minute one of Friday night's game it will give us a very good chance of getting a positive result.”
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