Morecambe boss Bentley: We rode our luck at Newport but a win’s a win

The Shrimps were second best at Rodney Parade for long periods but Paul Mullin’s stoppage time penalty handed them a 2-1 for their fourth straight victory in all competitions. Bentley said: “I don’t think we’ve played well.

“It’s disrespectful on Newport that people don’t give them a chance because they’re a good side.

“They’re having big problems off the field but they’ve got lads playing without fear and their formation counteracted ours today.

“We didn’t do the basics the right and they passed the ball round better and created better chances.

“We had to ride our luck at times and it was one of those days where some of our key players struggled.

“The key thing wasn’t to lose the game and we limited them after they scored to very little.

“Then Kev (Ellison), who gets knocked because of his age, showed his experience with some clever play to nip in and win the ball and draw the foul.

“He’s done brilliantly and then Mullin as a young lad showed no nerves to put away the penalty with the last kick of the game.

“It’s a fantastic win for us but we know we can play better.

“Sometimes winning when you’re not playing well is the sign of a good side though and we’ll take it today.”

The Shrimps had Barry Roche to thank for keeping them in the game and Bentley was full of praise for his goalkeeper.

He said: “Barry Roche was our best player today, no doubt about it.

“He kept us in it when we needed him.

“That’s what he’s paid for, he’s a top-class goalkeeper and I can’t give him enough credit.”