Graham Coughlan | “We need to build on today..."

Manager Graham Coughlan praised his side’s fighting spirit after Newport County came from behind to defeat Swindon Town 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

After a goalless first half, the Robins took the lead minutes after the restart through Paul Glatzel before Will Evans pulled the Exiles level minutes later. 

And with just under fifteen minutes remaining, Seb Palmer-Houlden netted a late winner for County showing great composure to beat the advancing Jack Bycroft. 

“It’s a really good win for us,” began Coughlan.

“Coming from 1-0 down to winning 2-1 is a great comeback. In the first half, we weren’t just at it. We were way off it, a little bit flat and I actually thought the ground was flat in the beginning too. 

“It wasn’t until the second half that when we went one nil down, the lads in the stand started singing their songs and beating the drums. It’s moments like that and I’ve said it all season, it’s those guys who become the 12th man and push you on in games.

"The fans got us back into the game. After our first-half performance and going 1-0 down early on, it would have been easy for them to switch off but the fans were very good in the second half. 

“It’s hugely difficult to re-focus yourself back to league form after playing Manchester United last weekend. Yes, it’s Swindon and yes, it’s a local derby but that flatness was always going to be there. 

“Taking the Doncaster game out of the equation, today was probably the first time we were able to make changes from the bench like for like. We had strength and depth, quality and experience to come off the bench which was great. The bench was a big part of it today. 

“Swindon are a really good team and the recruitment drive they’ve had in January has been really good. They’ve got immense strength and depth, a really good manager and that was a stern test for us today. 

“Given Man United were here last weekend and our first-half performance, we’ve got to really praise our lads and pat them on the back for today. There are not many teams up and down the country that would be able to dish out what we were able to give in the second half.”

He added: "It’s been a strong eight to ten games now and there’s been some real strong performances. We've gathered a good few points along the way and it’s been a strong period. 

“We need to build on today and it’s our third consecutive back-to-back league win, something that I’ve never achieved here before, so I’m immensely proud of the lads. 

“Our focus is the next game now and where the next three points are coming from."