Crewe Alexandra 1 - 2 Newport County: Mike Flynn gets off to winning start as Newport boss

Posted Sunday, March 12, 2017 by PA

Second-half strikes from Dan Butler and Joss Labadie secured Newport a last-gasp 2-1 win at Crewe in Mike Flynn's first game in charge of the Exiles.

Flynn, installed on Thursday as Newport boss after Graham Westley's sacking, watched his side fight back after Callum Cooke handed the Railwaymen a half-time lead.

Butler equalised eight minutes after the interval before Labadie struck in the 88th minute to earn the Exiles their first win in eight games.

Jordan Bowery twice went close for Crewe early on, lifting the ball over the bar and then forcing goalkeeper Joe Day to push away a first-time strike.

But Cooke drove Crewe ahead in the 22nd minute with a fine finish into the corner after being picked out by Ryan Wintle.

Newport emerged strongly after the break and twice went close with David Pipe's looping effort cleared off the line Crewe skipper George Ray before Labadie headed wide with the goal gaping.

But Flynn's men were level soon after when defender Butler drove a superb first-time effort into the bottom corner.

And when Tom Owen-Evans knocked the ball down to Labadie the midfielder drilled in a late winner for the Exiles.