FLYNN GETS THE PRESENT HE ASKED FOR
NEWPORT County manager Mike Flynn said all he cared about on his 40th birthday was three points after his team marked the occasion with a deserved 1-0 win over 10-man Tranmere Rovers.
Saikou Janneh’s strike in the 25th minute – his first league goal – was enough to give County a win which sent them back into second in League Two.
Tranmere were poor and failed to have a shot on target. Their day went from bad to worse in the second half when Paul Lewis received a straight red card for a tackle on Newport captain Joss Labadie.
“I had a great day, had some lovely presents from the chairman and was spoiled by my wife, but all I cared about was the win and the three points,” said Flynn.
“It was a physical battle, but we still tried to play football. We were the better team when they had 11 men and it was the same when they went down to 10.
“We should have put the game to bed and been out of sight.”
Flynn continued: “Tranmere are a strong team with a strong manager who I played with in my career. It was a very good three points and I’m delighted with the performance.
“The sprinklers were broken on the pitch which made it difficult, but I’m glad I don’t need to use that as an excuse.
“Saikou’s work rate was excellent, but it was a solid game from everyone.
“We had a lot of seven out of 10 performances and that’s really pleasing. We have to keep doing that.”
Janneh scored the game’s only goal when Tranmere defender Manny Monthe sliced his attempted clearance of Matty Dolan’s corner.
County dominated the game with Scott Twine producing another impressive display in midfield.
Flynn’s men never looked like losing and the game was put to bed as a contest when Lewis was sent off.
County should have made it 2-0, but former Liverpool man Jay Spearing somehow cleared Mickey Demetriou’s powerful volley off the line.
Janneh and strike partner Tristan Abrahams also went close.
Newport face a short turnaround now and travel to Stevenage tomorrow looking to continue their fine start. A win could take them back to the summit.