NEWPORT County AFC are “lucky” to have a finisher like Padraig Amond, says midfielder Joss Labadie.

The striker’s stock rose yet again on Saturday when he struck his 19th goal of the campaign to give Manchester City a late scare at Rodney Parade.

Including the tie against Spurs last season, the 30-year-old Irishman has now scored in six successive rounds of the FA Cup.

Amond firmly believes he can continue to find the net at a higher level, and it would be difficult to disagree with that opinion after his cup exploits.

His 88th-minute effort on Saturday came from just about the only goal scoring opportunity he had during the whole match.

And Labadie, who has played with Amond for close to two full seasons, is hugely impressed with the way his teammate is able to make the most of his chances.

On Amond’s poaching instincts, Labadie said: “That’s what he does. When he goes through on goal you know he’s going to bury it.

“He’s probably the best finisher in League Two and has been amazing all season.

"We’re lucky to have him.”

He added: “We were playing against the elite out there, one of the best teams in the world, but I feel like we did ourselves proud.

“It was a good lesson for us, just to show us the standards that they are playing at, and it was a great experience for everyone involved.

“There was a bit of hope for about 30 seconds when Podge scored and then they quickly put the game to bed.

"City were unreal and so credit to them.

“That’s the best team I’ve ever played against by far.

"It was an honour to be out there on the same pitch as them.

“It was great for the city, the fans turned out in their numbers and they were fantastic, and everyone did themselves proud."

Labadie also hailed the home side's character as they became one of the few teams this season to stop City scoring in the first half of a game.

The Exiles are back in action tomorrow night when they travel to Notts County looking for a first away win in League Two since September 22.

“It’s back to the league now and that’s going to have our full focus,” said Labadie.

“We had a great experience in the FA Cup, and it was a good run, but now we can concentrate on the league.”