FLYNN BLASTS MISFIRING STRIKERS

NEWPORT County manager Mike Flynn hit out at both his misfiring attackers and their replacement options after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to impressive League Two leaders Cambridge, writes Alex Bywater.

The loss leaves the Exiles in seventh and they are now clinging on to a play-off spot rather than challenging the automatic promotion places with five games to play.

County were far from bad against Cambridge – they were the better side for the first half especially – but their attacking threat was minimal.

Ryan Taylor, Padraig Amond and Kevin Ellison all struggled up front. All three were substituted, but the men who came on – including Nicky Maynard – couldn’t change things either.

“We’ve got five games to go and we’ve got to find a way to score some goals,” said Flynn.

“We got in some really good areas, but in the last 10 or 15 minutes we had five in the box and kept hitting the front man.

“Unless we can improve our decision-making over the next five games it will be very difficult to score goals and that’s the main part of the game. “It’s a tough one to take.

“The boys are working so hard and are really disappointed so hopefully we will get the rub of the green before the end of the season.

“We have given them the goal and it works in roundabouts because we got three points against Bolton when they were the better team.”

Former Cardiff City striker Maynard, Luke Gambin, and Lewis Collins all came off the bench.

“I’m the first to praise the substitutes when they come off the bench and do well, but I thought they were poor and didn’t make an impact,” Flynn said.

Newport were eventually outdone by a late goal from Cambridge defender Declan Drysdale.

It was a first strike in senior football for the 21-year-old who is on loan from Championship side Coventry.

Flynn felt County should have had a first-half penalty because he believed Cambridge’s Wes Hoolahan handled Aaron Lewis’ cross.

Hoolahan’s hands were certainly in an unnatural position near his face, but it was unclear whether he was actually inside the box. Referee Thomas Bramall didn’t even give a free-kick.

“We were the better team, but we made a bad mistake and there was a bad refereeing decision,” said Flynn, who was booked by Bramall in the second half.

“With the one in the first half he may as well have put gloves on.”

County need to respond... and quickly.

“They must beat Crawley Town at home on Tuesday and then travel to Exeter – who are only a place below them as things stand – on Saturday.