By Rob Carbon
Nicky Maynard has repaid the first instalment on his loan fees and will be aiming to hand back more when Newport County host Southend on Tuesday night.
Former Cardiff striker Maynard, 34, scored on his Newport County debut to end a run of nine games without a win for the former League Two front runners as they beat Grimsby, 1-0, at the weekend.
County boss Michael Flynn stayed until 11.00pm on transfer deadline day to ensure he finally got his man in from Mansfield and then gave him his first start alongside former Bury striking partner Dom Telford.
They both got stuck in the mud in a first half that saw relegation threaten Grimsby dominate and then the home side go down to 10 men when Scot Bennett because the fourth player in five games to see red eight minutes before the break.
Maynard then struck in the 51st minute when he reacted quicker than anyone in the six yard box when a Matty Dolan shot ricochet to him.
REPORT | Nicky Maynard strikes winner to help 10-man Exiles edge past Grimsby Town.
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— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) February 6, 2021
“I’m really pleased. It’s three points, we are back on track and Nicky has given us a first instalment on his transfer,” said Flynn, whose side moved back up to fourth.
“We are giving referees the chance to give them and we need to learn quickly, because we are not always going to get away with it.
“The red cards have all gone to experienced players – Liam Shepherd, Josh Sheehan, Joss Labadie and now Scot Bennett – who should all know better. One or two might be harsh, but don’t give the referee an opportunity.
“I will speak to Scot on Monday, he’s already feeling bad enough about it. The worst thing is the ball was six inches out in the movement before he got sent off.
“It is what it is. I wish I could control my players’ decisions because they wouldn’t be getting sent off.”
Back to winning ways🤩#OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/kftInrTu7l
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) February 6, 2021
The win moved Newport from seventh to fourth and back into the promotion mix. They are five points behind league leaders Cambridge United and have two games in hand.
“I’m really pleased with the three points and we are back on track. But we’ve got another tough game on Tuesday because that pitch isn’t going to get any better,” said Flynn, after seeing his side’s passing game rendered virtually useless on the mud and sand drenched surface at Rodney Parade.
“It does affect us a lot more this season than in previous years, so we are at a disadvantage.”