Goalkeeper Joe Day says Newport County AFC are the form side heading into this season’s League Two play-offs and will therefore have the confidence to topple Mansfield Town and get to Wembley on May 25th.
Jamille Matt’s priceless late equaliser at Morecambe made it ten unbeaten for the Exiles – six wins and four draws – including seven clean sheets in that time.
County didn’t have things their own way for the majority of proceedings at The Globe Arena, however, and were a goal down after 20 minutes thanks to former academy graduate Aaron Collins.
But the Exiles just don’t know when to give up and when Flynn threw on a barrage of attacking options, they got their equaliser with three minutes to play.
Dan Butler’s floated delivery from a short throw-in was headed back across the face of goal and Matt used his striker’s instinct to read the play to perfection and tap home into an empty net.
That put County back up to 7th and sparked joyous scenes between the players and the 871 supporters who had made the trip to Lancashire.
Here, you can what read what Day exclusively told iFollow Exiles following the conclusion of the match.
On making the League Two play-offs…
"It’s still raw emotion at the moment and it’s just bizarre how that game has led to us making the play-offs. It’s a credit to the run we’ve had, 10 games unbeaten now to make this run to the play-offs, and we weren’t at our best here by any means.
"But we still managed to grind out a result. This group we’ve got does not know when it’s beaten, we fight to the end and we proved that again.
"As you say, when you get seven clean sheets in ten, it gives you a right chance. That’s what we’ve based this run on – keeping it steady at the back and not conceding many at the back.
"I think it goes to show that it’s clicked for us and it’s worked very well. Ten games unbeaten to make the play-offs is going to be talked about for a while."
On Jamille Matt bringing up 20 goals for the campaign…
"He’s scored a few goals this season where he’s been in the right position at the right time. That’s part of his strength really – reading the game.
"There’s been important goals from him and Podge this season, I think they’re level on 14 league goals and that’s unbelievable to have 28 league goals between your front two.
"It’s incredible and that’s part of the reason we’ve done it.
I"’ve just spoken to Jamma and he’s delighted to have reached that milestone. We’re delighted for him as well; it’s only helping the team push on.
"We’re happy when anyone scores but when your front two have been prolific throughout the season then you’ve got a good chance and it’s worked out for us."
On the 871 away supporters to make the trip to Morecambe…
"It’s a crazy away following from our support.
"They’ve been behind us all season and is part of the reason we’ve got to where we are.
"Not joking, from the first minute to the end they kept us going, never kept quiet the whole time and we could hear them all game. Big thank you to them and let’s keep going now for at-least two more games.
"It’s incredible. It’s a moment for everyone at Newport County AFC to savour and let’s enjoy it this weekend. Back to business then Monday but what an atmosphere, what a day so amazing.
"We’ve got to thank them for their support and celebrate with them. Pleasing all round."
On facing Mansfield Town in the play-offs over the next week…
"We’re not the same team from the start of the season but Mansfield Town aren’t the same team either.
"Previous games mean nothing, this is the play-offs, two legs now and it’ll be who holds their nerve and handles the pressure.
"We’ll give it absolutely everything. We spoke before this game and said that we didn’t really care who we played, we fancy ourselves and we’ll be confident.
"It’s two games in the play-offs. We’ll let this sink in over the next couple of days before we start preparing for Mansfield next week. I don’t know how Mansfield are feeling right now. But of course, if I was in their position then I’d be a bit gutted.
"We’re full of confidence but we’ll have to go into it level headed.
"I’m sure they’ll be two great games and something we’re looking forward to already."