John Coleman admits 3-0 scoreline flattered Accrington in win over Newport

John Coleman admitted the 3-0 scoreline flattered Accrington in their opening-day victory over Newport.

Stanley, relegated last season, opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Tommy Leigh’s through ball split the Newport defence and found Jack Nolan who rounded keeper Nick Townsend and slotted home.

Brad Hills hooked a Ryan Delaney header off the line as the Exiles looked for an equaliser in the first half.

The Reds doubled their lead in the 80th minute when substitute Seb Quirk’s ball into the area was headed home by fellow substitute Shaun Whalley.

Stanley added a third in the fourth minute of stoppage time when a cross by Hills was forced home from close range by Korede Adedoyin.

“I am pleased with the scoreline, delighted with the three points, the three goals and the clean sheet but 3-0 did flatter us,” said long-serving manager Coleman.

“There were a few harsh words said after the game as we had a 25-minute spell at 1-0 where we lost our way and they took control of the game and, on another day, we would have been punished.

“We have got to play miles better than that but thankfully we got the second and then third goals.

“We had two lads making their league debuts in the back line in Brad Hills and Lewis Shipley and Brad was outstanding. We also had Jay Rich-Baghuelou playing his first game in 10 months in defence and they have probably never played at that intensity but they all rolled their sleeves up.

“There were some big performances but we have to iron out the mistakes.”

Newport manager Graham Coughlan, whose side finished mid-table last season, said: “I thought we were good but we have got to take our chances. We had enough chances to win two games.

“When you don’t take your chances and you give away three soft goals, it’s left me annoyed and frustrated. It’s a tough result to take given the way we played.

“It’s bittersweet, we lost 3-0 but there were positives. The difference was their subs came on and were positive and affected the game, they swung the game in their favour, and we do not have that at this moment in time. We need reinforcements, anyone can see that. We need another striker sooner rather than later. I do not know if I can fill a teamsheet for Tuesday’s game.

“It’s not doom and gloom, though. It seems odd that I am standing here when we lost 3-0 but if you don’t take your chances and then concede goals, then football kicks you where it hurts.”