Liam Shephard expressed his delight after helping Newport County secure an impressive win on his return to the club and even getting on the scoresheet.
Speaking after the match, the defender revealed that stopping the opposition’s main threats had been central to the team’s game plan.
“We had a plan to stop them playing the way they wanted to play. It was scrappy at times, but we nullified their threats well. They did not have many chances, and we were clinical at the other end,” he said.
While brought back to Newport for his defensive qualities, Shephard took his goal well, crediting it to being in the right place at the right time.
“It is the first time in my career I have really been sent forward for corners and throw-ins. I am normally the last man back. I gambled between the two posts, and luckily it fell to me,” he explained.
The 30-year-old only joined the Exiles a few days prior to kick-off, with his inclusion in the starting line-up coming sooner than expected.
“I was told on Wednesday that I might be eased in, but then something happened in training and the gaffer said I might have to start. I had only trained twice, so it was a quick turnaround,” he said.
After nearly three months without playing competitive minutes, completing the full match was a milestone.
“That is the main thing for me, getting 90 minutes again after the injuries I had last year. It is good for me mentally, and hopefully it shows there is more to come,” he added.
Now in his second spell with the club, Shephard said he was delighted to be back in amber.
“We have been speaking all summer and I am just happy we got the deal done. This is home for me, and I want to prove my fitness and help the team. Last time I was here we had such a good group, and hopefully we can do something similar this season.”
On his ambitions for the campaign, he remained realistic but optimistic.
“Anything can happen in League Two. It is early days and the squad has only been together a short time, but the more we play together, the stronger we will get. There were some good patterns of play today, and hopefully we can build on that,” he said.
With four points from their opening two league games and progress in the EFL Cup, the start has been positive.
“No one is getting carried away. It is only the second game. But if we keep improving every match and every training session, we can go as far as we want.”
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