well more of a small collection of thoughts.

Started off well some nice passing moves in the first 10 minutes and that's about it. Thought we were sluggish, nothing much came off for us all night. Thought the 2 centre backs played well. Fenwick needed that goal and what a goal it was.

As much as they looked a half decent team can only remember them having one serious attempt at goal which was straight down the throat of the excellent Bartlett.

At the end of the day we won and it's a very welcome 3 points.

They had a couple of good chances in the first half that came from defensive errors but other than that I'd agree.

I think the midfield and defence still look a bit shaky but the front three are in top form. That was the difference between us and them tonight for my money and what a finish from Fenwick.

Pleased as punch with 3 from 3.

Sign of a good team when you play poor and still win. Agreed we looked almost tired. Few days off will do them good. Great for Fenwick, real good strike too.

How poor were Newport by the way? They didn't look remotely interested.

I can sometimes be a little critical of keepers but Bartlett is an utter class act. As soon as you see him go for a cross you just know he will get it. Thought Bates was solid too.


Ps a very good ref tonight, let the game flow, no stupid cards and got most things right.

I didn't think Newport were poor or uninterested, they made it a tough tight game and were the better team first half.

First half, bar those first 10 minutes, we were very poor. Far too direct and sloppy with what passing we did attempt.

Thought second half we looked a completely different team, and played the best football I've seen so far. With a bit more luck and clinical finishing we could have won that 2 or 3 nil.

Paynter was excellent again, could have picked a few players from the second half for MOM but I'd have went with Paynter. Held the ball up brilliantly and has a great touch for a big man. All 3 forwards were a nuisance and could have all scored. Enjoyable game.

Agreed about we were poor, just thankful they were even worse.

I think Harrison has been taking long ball lessons off Micky Nelson after tonight's game, unlike him to be so sloppy but didn't always have an option to pass it. Dunno who id pick for motm, probably Bartlett or Duckworth for his second half showing.

I thought Newport actually played some good football, never really tested Bartlett but still done alright in spells.

The first half was poor, needed half time to give them a rollicking. Second half was much better, but if I has a criticism it would be overplaying it at times. Too often trying an extra pass rather than just taking a shot. The Paynter chance proof of this.

But that said, nine points out of nine and four wins in ten days. Can't really complain too much with that.

Perhaps fans are expecting too much. Ronnie was sractching his head in the first half at some of the sloppy play but this team has steel, pace and goals in it so we'll always be a threat - hence why we've got nine points from three league games.

If last season's squad had turned out in the first three games I can confidently say we would be on zero points. We are much stronger all over the park.

Thought Newport were a decent enough side but same as others have said without creating any clear cut chances. Certainly lot younger and smaller than previous seasons.

Still work to do for us but what a good sign that not playing brilliantly but still winning. All the front 3 look like scoring, have a midfield that looks like can play football and don't mind the physical side. Defence solid enough, bates had a decent game.

Think featherstone was fantastic at keeping ball and his pass was brilliant for the chance at back post which Fenwick should of done better with.

This time last season we did have 0 points, we'd been beaten 1-0 by Stevenage, 6-2 in the cup by Port Vale, 2-0 by Bury and 2-0 by Dagenham.

It took us until the East Thurrock game on the 8th of November (19th game of the season) to get our 4th win in all competitions, this season it's taken us 4.

We only won 3 league games before January. Incredible really.

Featherstone worked his nuts off. MOM by the proverbial.

Featherstone did indeed play quite well, but also shit out of a couple of challenges that put pressure on us.

I reckon Newport will struggle, for all their passing on the halfway line I was never worried when they went forward and apart from a header from a corner, I can't remember then having a shot in the box.

I'd agree that their main chances came as a result of defensive mistakes/carelessness from ourselves. But then again our goal was more or less a direct product from one of their defenders falling over and allowing us through.

Duckworth was MoM for me; that's the best I've seen him play since the season before last. It's hard to remember him putting a foot wrong second half in front of the Millhouse - can't swear he didn't have a few ricks first half as what goes on over in the Town End/Cyril Knowles corner of the ground is a bit of an eye test these days.

I thought the whole back four did well - Pools' problems were in midfield, where we didn't win much second ball and kept conceding possession to Newport - luckily they don't seem to have much end product and kept shooting from distance.

Agreed about Duckworth second half, he was outstanding I imagine he had a rocket up his arse from Ronnie at half time after his first half showing. He was fuming when he turned his back on a cross like he did at York. A rocket obviously works on that basis and maybe why Ronnie seems to focus on him.

I still think the referee was the best iv seen for a long time.

I dont think I even noticed the ref and that is probably the best indication of a ref doing well. Apart from the lino giving that corner the officials did well.

Yup, sign off a decent ref. Strange decision about the corner like.

The one where their player kicked it out and bates was judged to have got the last touch despite being a yard from the ball


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