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The home changing room at Rodney Parade has not been a happy place very often this year.<\/p>\n
Relegation-threatened Newport County are yet to win on home soil in 2025-26, although they did win a penalty shootout against Gillingham in the FA Cup.<\/p>\n
The Exiles lost 2-0 at home to Fleetwood on Saturday and they have claimed just two points from a possible 30 at Rodney Parade, putting their Football League status in serious jeopardy.<\/p>\n
Dragons blew chances for victory in draws with both Sharks and Ospreys in the first block of the URC.<\/p>\n
The only success before the Lyon fixture was for Newport RFC when they beat Cardiff in a fixture that was switched from their Spytty Park base to their historic home.<\/p>\n
“We have come so close on so many occasions at Rodney Parade and to get over the line is massive for the group,” added O’Brien.<\/p>\n
“We have to build after grinding it out and finding a way. The fans deserve it more than anybody and I am just delighted we gave them something to celebrate.<\/p>\n
“We’ve had two draws that could or should have been wins and it has been tough to take, but it’s important to now build on this.”<\/p>\n
Sunday’s comeback was a first Rodney Parade success for boss Tiatia since he was promoted from defence coach to replace Dai Flanagan.<\/p>\n
“We didn’t play that well but I am just really happy the players found a way to win,” said the former All Blacks back-row forward.<\/p>\n
“They have got the win that they have been searching for and we have to keep building. We are in our third game in a ten-week block, and we’ve still got seven games to go.<\/p>\n
“Injuries are pretty rife at the moment with all the squads, so we have got to get ready to go again.<\/p>\n
“The group are happy and now they can train with a bit of freedom and keep building on what we have started.”<\/p>\n
Dragons will hope that an old cricket saying is appropriate – one brings two.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n