Michael Flynn admits yesterday’s defeat to Salford City was a ‘harsh lesson’ as Newport County AFC lost for the first time at home in League Two this season.
Flynn felt the Exiles created enough gilt-edged chances to win the game at Rodney Parade, but they just couldn’t take them as Padraig Amond headed just past the far post, Josh Sheehan hit the post and Tristan Abrahams saw his penalty saved.
In the end, set pieces played the pivotal part towards Salford City’s victory as Cameron Burgess and Lois Maynard scored headers either side of a Nathan Pond own goal which had temporarily drawn County level.
It’s the first time County have lost back to back league games since March and Flynn was left frustrated that his side didn’t make their dominance count.
Read the full match report.
“It’s a reality check for them,” he affirmed.
“We lost the game to two set plays which isn’t good enough. We worked on it, showed them, and did everything but mark them so it’s two cheap goals.
“We knew what Salford were good at, we knew they could cause problems on set plays and we didn’t get anywhere near them.
“We were the better team and should have scored four. You look at the chance Podge misses; Josh Sheehan should score when he hits the post and the penalty as well.
“This should be a harsh lesson. I wouldn’t have minded if we’d have got played off the park, I can take defeat and I take it pretty well.
“The midfield is a bit of a concern for me at the moment. I thought Scot Bennett was excellent and we had to put him in there second half.”
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EMIRATES FA CUP | The Exiles will be looking to begin another cup adventure next weekend when they make the long trip north towards Grimsby Town. Buy tickets now.
AFTER THAT | The cup competitions continue as County travel to Cheltenham Town on November 12th for the final group stage game of the Leasing.Com Trophy. Ticket information to be released by both clubs soon.
LEAGUE TWO | It’s a couple of weeks until League Two resumes when County again make the trip to Grimsby Town on November 16th. No ticket information regarding this fixture has yet been received.