SUBSTITUTE Jamille Matt scored the only goal of the game as Newport County AFC beat Port Vale 1-0 at Rodney Parade. Here are the talking points...

Return of the Matt a big boost

After four matches when he struggled for form followed by four matches on the sidelines with a knee problem, Jamille Matt finally got his season up and running.

The striker changed the game when he replaced Joss Labadie just after the hour mark, immediately giving the County attack more of a physical presence and cutting edge and deservedly netting his first goal of the campaign.

Matt got 20 goals last season and, despite the useful partnership formed between Tristan Abrahams and Padraig Amond in recent weeks, he clearly still has a major part to play as the Exiles target promotion once again.

South Wales Argus: Jamille Matt, right, celebrates his goal with fellow substitute Corey Whitely, who provided the assistJamille Matt, right, celebrates his goal with fellow substitute Corey Whitely, who provided the assist

Whitely beginning to show his worth

Manager Michael Flynn was rewarded for making two positive changes in the final half hour with Matt on for Labadie and Corey Whitely replacing Dan Leadbitter.

Whitely was only on for 15 minutes but made a big impact, creating the winning goal for Matt with a fine driving run and cross and twice testing the Vale keeper himself late on.

Flynn wanted him to manage the game better in the closing stages but that will come in time. He’s still raw in his first season in the EFL but after this impressive cameo and his first goal in midweek, he’s showing what an asset he could be as the season progresses.

South Wales Argus: FOCUS: Ryan Inniss watches as Josh Sheehan controls a high ballFOCUS: Ryan Inniss watches as Josh Sheehan controls a high ball

Inniss gamble paid off

fter the events of Wednesday night, when he is alleged to have bitten an opponent, it was a surprise to see Ryan Inniss in the starting XI – especially with Mark O’Brien and Kyle Howkins both fit and available.

The centre-back has an FA charge hanging over him and could be facing a lengthy ban but he was able to play before the deadline for responding to the charge on Tuesday at 6pm.

And, other than a few hesitant moments early on, Inniss didn’t seem to be affected by the unwelcome headlines surrounding him – putting in a commanding performance, just as he did at Forest Green Rovers last week. If his ban is extended beyond three games he will be missed.

Record-breaking start goes on, and on

Another week, another clean sheet, another 1-0 home win and another match added to the incredible unbeaten run in League Two.

It is now six clean sheets in a row in the league and, including injury time played, the Exiles defence has not been breached in the EFL in 644 minutes – more than 10 hours – of football.

And it’s now 17 regular-season games since the last defeat, which came at Northampton Town in March. And the next match? At Northampton next Saturday.

Read more: Newport County boss delighted to have Jamille Matt fit and firing