Graham Coughlan says in-form Newport are reaping the rewards for sticking together when the going got tough after a 3-0 win at Walsall moved them four points off the League Two play-off places.
First-half goals from Bryn Morris, Will Evans and Harry Charsley gave the Exiles a fully-deserved fourth successive league victory.
It is a far cry from a nightmare, injury-hit autumn when they sank as low as 20th in the table after just one win in 10.
“I’m delighted for the lads because they’ve stuck with me through the tough times in September, October and November when we were decimated by injuries,” Coughlan said.
“They could have easily waved a white flag and gone under but they didn’t – they carried on, dug deep and got points in games we probably didn’t deserve.
“We had to batten down the hatches for those three months – it was tough but we stuck together as a club and this little run, this little period, is testament to all those who stuck with us.”
Newport host the two sides directly above them – Notts County and Gillingham – over the next seven days, and Coughlan added: “I thought our performance in the first 20 minutes was absolutely outstanding – probably the best 20 minutes we’ve had since I’ve come to the club.
“We got a bit of a deflection for the first one but Will Evans’ individual goal, if that happens in the Premier League that’s flashed across Sky Sports every hour – it’s an absolutely outstanding goal.”
Josh Gordon and Mo Faal failed to test the goalkeeper with two huge first-half chances for Walsall, who had goalkeeper Owen Evans sent off late on for handling outside the area.
“We just didn’t start it the way we normally do and I felt Newport did to us what we like to do to teams for spells of that game, especially in the first 15 minutes,” said Saddlers boss Mat Sadler.
“Football is a game of moments and we were the other side of those moments today. We had two very good chances to alter the course of the game but it wasn’t to be.
“We were just not quite at the races today.
“It wasn’t what we pride ourselves on – the work-rate, the relentless attitude. We just gave ourselves a bit too much of a mountain to climb so early in the game and that is unlike us.
“I’m sure there will be runs that will happen from now until the end of the season for someone to get into that play-off pack – we will keep fighting, keep pushing.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Watch and remember the kids Arsenal close to completing deal for Viktor Gyokeres The only way to stop this Chelsea. lol Hahahahah Chelsea vs PSG This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Man Utd continue to push for Bryan Mbeumo's signitureManchester United's transfer dealings have hit a speed bump, with Matheus Cunha being their only significant summer acquisition after his £60million move from Wolves earlier in the season.Their sights are now set on Bryan Mbeumo, who has been turning heads at Brentford, but two offers for the forward have been knocked back and a third bid i...
United head coach Ruben Amorim wants a new centre forward before the start of the seasonManchester United have been told to complete a summer transfer 'immediately'.United are in the market for a new centre forward, with it still unknown whether Ruben Amorim wishes to stick with Rasmus Hojlund.Hojlund has made it clear in recent weeks that he wants to stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford,...
Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of a battle between Nottingham Forest and TottenhamTottenham Hotspur remain hopeful of securing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, despite a furious row with Nottingham Forest over allegations that the London club illegally approached the player.Spurs seemed set to sign the 25-year-old after activating his £60million release clause and arranging a medical for t...
Petrovic set to undergo Bournemouth medical🚨🍒 Djordje Petrović will undergo medical at Bournemouth on Monday ahead of £25m deal from Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/7gtwkWXTEZ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2025Is £20m too much for USMNT star Sargent? PL suitors put offUSMNT star Josh Sargent continues to attract Premier League interest, but Norwich's £20 million ($27m) ...
Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunionMan United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly rejected the chance to join up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.The 21-year-old is one of several Man United attackers that are hoping to leave the club after their worst ever Premier League campaign.According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Garnacho has r...
Man City ace James McAtee to visit Eintracht FrankfurtMan City playmaker James McAtee will reportedly visit Eintracht Frankfurt as he edges closer to a move away from the Premier League.The 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Man City despite some impressive performances in limited chances last season.According to Sky Germany, he could be taking the route of heading to the Bunde...
Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashingReal Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reported warned his squad of superstars about their commitment after their 4-0 defeat to PSG at the FIFA Club World Cup.The Spanish giants were well and truly dismantled by PSG in their Club World Cup semi-final, reportedly leaving Alonso furious.According to Marca, the new manager has told his pl...
Bayern Munich turn to Leandro Trossard as nightmare window continuesBayern Munich have reportedly turned to Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as a back up plan should they fail to sign Liverpool's Luis Diaz.The German giants have had a frustrating summer window so far, missing out on Nico Williams, Jamie Gittens, and Florian Wirtz.Bayern’s new priority target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, alt...
Arsenal reach agreement with Sporting for Viktor GyokeresArsenal's move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken yet another step closer after the two clubs agreed to a fee.In what has arguably been the most dramatic transfer saga of the summer so far, Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with Sporting for the signing of Gyokeres, 27.According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 4 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 5 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club
- 6 DAZN sports host nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction at CWC
- 7 Everton sign Villarreal striker Barry: The fans here are like crazy people, I like this!
- 8 Bayern Munich lay out terms for Luis Diaz
- 9 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife
- 10 Chelsea's wage offer to Jadon Sancho revealed