Michael Flynn admits he was left frustrated at not seeing Newport County AFC book their place in the Emirates FA Cup Second Round at the first time of asking but conceded that it was important to at least remain in the competition after a 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town.
County dominated the key statistics at Blundell Park – possession, shots, shots on target – but Flynn bemoaned the lack of clinical edge in Lincolnshire which means the two sides will have to do it all again in a replay.
Flynn was left disappointed by the build-up to Luke Waterfall’s 43rd minute opener but the Exiles responded in the second half and finally found the equaliser 10 minutes from time when Padraig Amond dispatched a penalty.
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“We should have put the game to bed,” he affirmed.
“We didn’t have enough cutting edge first half or in the second half actually. But we dominated the game, gave away a sloppy goal, and with some better finishing and better runs we should have scored a hatful.
“We should have won that game. We were by far the better team, but we conceded a real schoolboy goal and it’s something I’m not happy about.
“We’ll go through that but otherwise, we defended well, attacked well, but that cutting edge just wasn’t there – if it was then we’d have comfortably been in the second round.
“The main thing I said to the players before the game was that I wanted to be in the hat on Monday. But we were the better team in nearly every area so that’s the frustrating part.
“If I’m honest, even I don’t like coming to Grimsby because it’s a really long journey. Fair play to the supporters, it was cold, close to Christmas and they showed how much they love the club.
“Win, lose or draw, we always try to clap them before and after the game just to show how much we appreciate them.”
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NEXT UP | County continue their cup exploits on Tuesday night when they travel to Cheltenham Town in the Leasing.Com Trophy. Ticket information to be released by both clubs soon.
LEAGUE TWO | With next weekend’s fixture at Grimsby Town postponed due to international call-ups, County are next in league action when they face Oldham Athletic on November 23rd. Buy tickets now.