Michael Flynn admits he was delighted to see Newport County AFC embody a ruthless streak as they scored seven for the first time in a competitive fixture since 2011 during the 7-4 victory over Cheltenham Town in the Leasing.Com Trophy.
The Exiles couldn’t have been any more clinical as they converted every shot on target into a goal, Tristan Abrahams and Taylor Maloney both scored sublime hat-tricks - their first in the professional game - and Matty Dolan calmly dispatched a penalty.
It was nothing more than County deserved on a night where any of the starting eleven could have been deemed man of the match - Corey Whitely impressed and was unplayable at times while 16-year old debutant Joe Woodiwiss was impressive at the heart of the defence.
The result leaves County with a chance of making the knockout stages of the competition and they will qualify if Exeter City beat West Ham United U21s tonight in normal time.
“It’s about time we scored a few goals because we’ve been due it,” Flynn affirmed.
“I actually thought we started really poorly if I’m honest. It took us a while to get going but when we did, some of the goals were excellent and some of the debutants were really good. I think we’re into double figures now of youth team players I’ve given their debuts to so it’s a positive night all round.
“At times I thought Corey Whitely going forward and also Tristan Abrahams were unplayable. They were superb. Dom Poleon worked his socks off and was a thorn in their side, Lewis Collins looked dangerous in spells. Taylor Maloney gets a hat-trick, Matty Dolan penalty, George Nurse looked superb.
“The two youngsters for me, Dom Jefferies and Joe Woodiwiss, did really well. I was really pleased for them. I thought Joe had a bit of a shaky start but after that he was superb and that’s a credit to him.
“It’s not very often that we’ll concede four goals, be happy and win the game so I’ll make the most of it.
“What I will have now is a very hungry squad again. I’m not saying they haven’t been but they’ll all want to be playing next week and Tristan’s gone to the club’s top scorer so it’s given me a good few problems. Nick Townsend was another because I thought he was excellent.
“The players will now have Saturday and Sunday off but that’s it.”