Latics deservedly see off 10-man Exiles

Harry Kewell felt his Latics team were worthy winners after they saw off high-flying Newport for the second time in just over a month.

Latics notched an impressive League Two against the automatic promotion-chasing Exiles thanks to an own goal winner from Mickey Demetriou and earlier strikes from Davis Keillor-Dunn and Bobby Grant.

With new signing Nicky Adams leading by example as skipper on his debut, Latics triumphed and moved up to 14th place in the table, six points shy of the play-off places.

“We managed to get ourselves on the front foot and at times in the second half, and I thought we looked comfortable,” said Kewell.

“I wasn’t always happy with some of our defending, but thankfully it didn’t cost us in the end and we’ve secured a really important three points.

“Credit to my players.

“Despite what some people think, it’s never easy to play against ten men.

“You have to play in a certain way and re-organise yourselves properly.

“Newport are a very good team, but all my lads worked so hard.”

Newport struck early when Jake Scrimshaw was perfectly placed to nod home a precise cross from debutant Luke Gambin.

Latics levelled after eight minutes when Newport’s new world record holding ‘keeper Tom King punched Dylan Bahamboula’s cross into the path of Keillor-Dunn, and he steadied before driving home.

Newport skipper Joss Labadie was red-carded after 15 minutes after swinging an arm into the face of Marcel Hilssner.

Latics took advantage as they struck again when Grant slotted in a rebound after King could only parry Conor McAleny’s shot, only for Gambin to make it 2-2 with a super left-foot effort from 20 yards.

German Hilssner fired a 30-yard effort inches over the top, before the hosts did get a deserved third goal in the 74th minute.

Newport defender Demetriou could only turn a cross from Adams past King from close in.

There was even time for Bahamboula to sky a late spot-kick after King had upended McAleny, as Latics hung on.

Kewell’s men head to Cheltenham Town tomorrow night (Tuesday, 7pm kick-off) ,before then welcoming Salford City on Saturday.

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