Mark O'Brien says saving Newport from relegation is the 'highest moment' of his career
Monday 8 May 2017 15:18, UK
Mark O'Brien has described his dramatic late winner which kept Newport County in the Football League as the "highest moment" of his career.
Newport looked to be heading for the National League with less than a minute of normal time remaining in their match with Notts County, with the score level at 1-1.
Relegation rivals Hartlepool United were poised to take advantage of Newport's slip up, having come from behind to lead 2-1 against already-promoted Doncaster Rovers.
But with time running out at Rodney Parade, O'Brien popped up in the 89th-minute to volley home the winner and spark wild celebrations in south Wales.
"I am still trying to relive it. People have sent me numerous videos, I watch it back time and time again and I still can't believe the moment," the Irish defender told Sky Sports News HQ.
"There the moments you play football for and once I hit the ball, I knew it was going in and then emotion just took over. The rest is history.
"This has to be the highest moment of my career so far. I've had so many ups and downs throughout my career and, to have a moment like that, it makes you think about everything that you've fought for during your career. Words can't explain what went on, I'm just delighted with the result."
Newport had been 11 points from safety in March, but the appointment of Michael Flynn as caretaker manager proved to be the defining moment in their season.
Flynn, who succeeded Graham Westley on March 9, inspired a remarkable turnaround in Newport's fortunes as they went on to win seven of their last 12 matches.
"He's been brilliant since he came in, as well as that he has brought in Wayne Hatswell and Lennie Lawrence. The mixture of everyone has made us see the passion of the fans and the area," O'Brien said.
"It did not just come down to personal pride, it came down to the place where we are living and playing for the club itself.
"He's installed that into everyone and once we all gave 100 per cent, it was only going one way and that's ended up with his staying up on the last day. It was thoroughly deserved."
Despite playing a pivotal role in Newport retaining their league status, O'Brien is yet to be offered fresh terms to stay at the club with his contract due to expire in the summer.
But a relaxed O'Brien said: "The last two days I've just tried to get my head around what went on because it's been six months of hard work and high emotion.
"There have been times where we felt we were dead and buried. I am going to take some time to go see my family and friends in Ireland who I've not seen in a while.
"Hopefully I'll then get in talks with the club after a while and see where that takes me."
