NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Coughlan was happy to see his side progress in the FA Cup, but he admitted that the 2-0 victory over National League side Oldham Athletic was no Rodney Parade classic.

Defender Shane McLoughlin grabbed the headlines with a goal in either half, the first after 20 minutes and the second – a long-range stunner – with 10 minutes left on the clock to settle any late nerves.

County are in the hat for the second-round draw on Sunday afternoon and now have a full week to recover before returning to League Two action at home to MK Dons next Saturday.

“We got the job done,” said Coughlan. “We know how important the FA Cup to the history and tradition of this football club, not to mention the financial side of it.

“It’s probably best described as a good, solid, professional performance.

“I don’t think it was a great watch, but there were a lot of tired bodies, and you could see we looked drained.”

Coughlan again felt his side should have put the game to bed earlier.

“I sound like a broken down record because we seem to have these conversations every week; we need to be more ruthless, more clinical in the final third,” he said.

“Nick Townsend pulled off two good saves for us as well. They tested us, they asked questions, and it was a tough afternoon.

“My heart was missing a beat at times,” added the Irishman. “I just wanted us to be better, be better on the ball and show a bit of calmness in the middle of the park and a little bit of composure.

“We’re really pleased to get through because Oldham are a good team with a good manager and we’re happy with our afternoon’s work.”

Declan Drysdale and Matt Baker both came off with hamstring problems in the second half and will be assessed this week as Coughlan hopes his injury list hasn’t grown even longer.