Newport County have been urged to build on victory over Crawley and use it as momentum for the start of “six cup finals” by caretaker manager Mike Flynn, writes Ryan Robinson.
The Exiles saw off the Red Devils yesterday after defender Mickey Demetriou smashed home with a stunning left foot shot from 25 yards.
That was the side’s third win of the season at home as Flynn saw his men close the gap on safety to just five points. But Flynn insists the team have to already be looking at Exeter next week.
“It’s 10 points from 18 now and it’s been a big turnaround,” he said.
“There’s six to go and they’re six cup finals for us and we need as much intensity and desire as we have just seen.”
On the Crawley victory, Flynn says it was the perfect performance.
“I thought it was a very good attacking display in the first half and really we should have killed the game off. Then, in the second half when we had to dig deep and we had to be resilient, it was outstanding. They defended superbly and I couldn’t have asked for anymore.
“1-0 against a good Crawley team and I’m happy.”
For all County’s dominance in the game, the visitors almost struck a late equaliser deep into the six additional minutes.
Joe Day had to produce two point-blank saves to secure the three points, something Flynn believes was pleasing to see.
“I’ve gone straight up to him and said that’s what you’re paid for, big man,” he added laughing.
“He’s been outstanding all season, he’s solid and a very good goalkeeper.
“I’m pleased for him that he’s kept a clean-sheet as-well as all the boys in the rest of the team.”
The return of £10 football seemed to work wonders for the Amber Army, in a game that attracted a near 3,000 attendance.
And goal scorer Demetriou believes the fans were the 12th man.
“They were massive today and they really kept us going,” he said.
“In the 89th minute they were still singing, and when six minutes goes up they carried on going for us. Hopefully, they will be the 12th man for us in the next couple of weeks because the games are coming thick and fast.”
Demetriou’s match-winner was his first goal since 28th February 2015.
But the 27-year-old insists the team’s performance comes before personal accolades.
“I like to try and notch a couple of goals in a season so I’m happy I’ve got one today and it’s got us the three points.
“It’s always nice to score but the most important thing is the three points. We knew it was a massive game and we’ve closed the gap a little bit more.
“Hopefully, next week [against Exeter] we can close it even more.”
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