Coughlan hails Newport County's 1-0 win against Wrexham

The Exiles deservedly took the spoils in a raucous atmosphere thanks to Seb Palmer-Houlden’s wonderful header in the 34th minute.

It was a victory that denied Wrexham, who played most of the game with 10 men after Will Boyle’s red card for a wild challenge on Shane McLoughlin, League Two top spot.

It also lifts County to 14th in the table and, importantly for Coughlan, went some of the way to avenging their 2-0 loss in the north on December 23.

“We needed to fix that game. We weren’t happy as a group coming away from Wrexham when we didn’t feel that we did ourselves justice with the two set-piece goals we conceded,” he said.

“We played okay and created two or three chances and they created the same; the ball ended up in our net twice and not there. We came away from there really disappointed.”

VICTORY: Ryan Delaney and Will Evans after County's win (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Today was all about a derby game and about winning, no matter how you get over the line,” continued Coughlan, who had family over from Ireland to watch the game.

“We were really good in periods, although we didn’t get the ball and move it like we have doing but that was against a top-quality team.

“We were more than a match for them and probably better than them, although I have to choose my words carefully because we are one each after they beat us 2-0 at their place.

“It was really pleasing and even when it was 11 versus 11 Nick Townsend didn’t have to make any saves and their ‘keeper pulled off three important saves.

“The margin of victory should have been bigger and on the sideline there were shades of Eastleigh [when they drew 1-1 against 10 men] with the chances and opportunities that we wasted.

“You need that second goal just to ease the tension, but we were up against a top-quality team who are up there in the league for a reason.

“We were good today and I just hope the sending off doesn’t overshadow how good we were and how disciplined we were.

“The atmosphere was always going to be a tester and we stood up to it and kept our discipline. The place was bouncing and I was really pleased the group kept their composure.”

OFF: Will Boyle was red-carded (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Coughlan, a former no-nonsense centre-back himself, backed referee Simon Mather’s decision to show red.

“You only have to look at Shane McLoughlin’s leg,” said the manager. “He has stud marks going right across his groin.

“It’s a dangerous tackle and you don’t get away with that. Tackle like that nowadays and you are asking for trouble.

“I am not even sure you would have got away with that in my dad; I’m all for tackling and leaving a bit on people but that was reckless and dangerous.”

The Exiles now start preparations for the FA Cup tie against Manchester United after all of Coughlan’s side were 100 per cent committed against Wrexham, not fearing injury or a red card.

“You couldn’t [shirk a challenge]. This was what you come to the club for, days like this,” said the manager.

“I was lucky enough to play in red-hot atmospheres and derby games. They are special days and the one thing that I take from my career is that no matter how you win them, you win them.

“That’s the be all and end all, but we won with a bit of finesse and room, although it would have been nice to get a second to balance the ‘aggregate score’ after they won 2-0 up there.”