GOALS from Mark O'Brien and Jamille Matt earned Newport County AFC a 2-0 win at Swindon Town. Here are the talking points...

If O’Brien scores, County win

That goal against Notts County 2017, the two against Oldham Athletic in April, and now Swindon away. The centre-back kept up his 100 per cent record.

If the Irishman is on the scoresheet, you know it’s going to be a good day for the Exiles and so it proved at the County Ground yesterday.

County forced five successive corners in the early stages without success, but it was sixth-time lucky in the 38th minute as Robbie Willmott picked out O’Brien at the far post and Michael Flynn’s men were on their way to victory.

Amond’s attitude is spot on

It’s not often since his move from Hartlepool United two years ago that Padraig Amond has found himself dropped from the starting XI.

But, as you’d expect from the man who’s proved to be the ultimate professional during his time with the Exiles, Amond reacted positively and made a big impact once he replaced Tristan Abrahams.

The Irishman, who remains top scorer with five goals, turned provider as he whipped in a perfect cross for Jamille Matt to seal the win and prove once again that the experienced duo still have plenty to offer – despite the exciting emergence of Abrahams.

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Flynn’s men taking points off the top teams

County are sixth in the table after 11 games and they’ve already taken points off four of the five teams above them, with a trip to third-placed Cheltenham Town to come in a fortnight.

Before dispatching fifth-placed Swindon, the Exiles had already beaten second-placed Crewe Alexandra and fourth-placed Forest Green Rovers and were unfortunate to be held to a 1-1 draw by leaders Exeter City last week.

The manager said before the season began that his side had been handed a very tough start by the fixture computer but they’ve passed nearly every test that’s come their way.

Suspensions looming for Sheehan and Labadie

Josh Sheehan and Joss Labadie have been probably the two most consistent performers for County so far this season and both maintained their excellent form against the Robins.

Both thankfully avoided a booking, despite the home fans baying for blood throughout, but both continue to walk a disciplinary tightrope with four yellow cards to their name so far.

One more booking will mean an automatic one-game ban, which would be a big blow, but Flynn is unlikely to want either of his tough-tackling midfielders to curb the aggression that has made them so effective this season.

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