We must go on the defensive, says Flynn

MICHAEL Flynn may have solved one of his side’s problems with a few goals in the last two games, but now he has find a way to sure up the Newport County defence ahead of today’s trip to Oldham Athletic.

The 4-2 defeat at Grimsby earlier in the week was the second game in a row the Exiles had found the back of the net twice. It also saw Padraig Amond score his 50th goal for the club.

But a ninth away defeat in League Two meant a drop down to 16th in the table and the fear must be that with only three wins and three draws in 15 league outings on the road this season, the battle with Oldham could end up going the same way.

“We created a lot of chances at Grimsby, but we were too wide open and the goals we conceded weren’t good enough from our point of view. It’s frustrating because it’s uncharacteristic of us this season – let’s hope it’s a one off,” admitted Flynn.

After a seven-and-a-half match run without a league goal, at least that problem was solved when County secured a much-needed 2-1 home win over Bradford last weekend.

That raised hopes for the trip to Grimsby, but a goal in the opening minute for the home side meant Flynn’s side were always chasing the game.

Conditions at Rodney Parade have made life difficult this year and the Oldham surface is unlikely to be helpful to Newport’s passing game today. Even so, Amond is hopeful they can get back among the goals and start climbing up the table before the season ends.

Amond took his season’s goal tally to 13 at Grimsby, but the Exiles have still only managed 31 goals in 33 league games.

At the other end of the field they still have the second-best defensive record in the division, with 32 goals conceded, despite the four they let in earlier in the week.

“We felt like we’d turned the corner after beating Bradford, so we were very disappointed at the result in Grimsby,” said striker Amond.

“It wasn’t like us, it was a very untypical defensive performance. We’ve got 13 games left to play and it’s important that we don’t let the season fizzle out.

“It’s about moving on as quickly as possible, looking ahead to the weekend and trying to get three points at Oldham. It’s just from game to game now.

“It’s just a case of everyone making sure they do everything they can and do the best they can do for the club.”