Mike Flynn admits Newport County AFC’s away form hasn’t been good enough of late as they suffered their second defeat on the road in four days in a 1-0 reverse at Northampton Town.
Flynn demanded a response from his players after they struggled to create anything at Colchester United on Saturday and whilst it was a much-improved performance overall, Flynn was again left to rue lack of clinicality in both boxes.
Chances were much more frequent in Northamptonshire, but home goalkeeper David Cornell didn’t really have too much to do in terms of saves – he was beaten all ends up on one occasion, but the crossbar denied Jamille Matt’s header.
Padraig Amond couldn’t get too much closer with a header that passed the far post by a whisker, whilst Joss Labadie, Tyreeq Bakinson, Matt and Mark O’Brien all missed opportunities after the break.
It was certainly an open contest at The PTS Academy Stadium as Northampton also created their fair share of chances and Joe Day had to be in imperious form to thwart Daniel Powell, Sam Hoskins and a stinging half-volley from Andy Williams.
There was always going to be a goal such was the openness of the contest but when it came with 60 seconds remaining, it unfortunately went against the Exiles.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game as County could only half clear Ash Taylor’s long throw into the penalty area, Joe Powell raced to meet the ball and rocket a half volley into the top corner from outside the area.
Read the full match report from Rodney Parade.
It was such a heart-breaking way for County to suffer defeat on the road and Flynn didn’t hide his feelings during his post-match press conference.
He affirmed: “It’s disappointing. We lost the game. I thought we played well but, again, it’s [what you do in] both boxes. I’ve just said it to the players; away from home we haven’t been good enough in both boxes.
“I thought it was a very good away performance and we’ve gone and lost the game.
“We had enough chances to win the game.”
Talking about the improved performance, Flynn explained: “It’s the business end of the season and I don’t really care how we play if we win. It’s about getting the points on the board.
“I don’t want taps on the back saying ‘you did well’ – we lost the game, so somewhere along the line we did something wrong.
“It wasn’t hard to be better than Saturday. I thought we were very good, but we’ve lost the game.”
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NEXT UP | County return to Rodney Parade for ‘Friday night football’ when hosting Cheltenham Town on 15th March 2019. Buy tickets here and pack the Parade.
AFTER THAT | County welcome Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and his Oldham Athletic side to Rodney Parade on 23rd March 2019. Buy tickets here.
ON THE ROAD | The next away trip for the Exiles is down to Huish Park for a fixture with Yeovil Town. Tickets to be released on the official club website very shortly.