HEARTBREAK FOR COUNTY
Wembley heartbreak for Flynn’s Exiles as controversial penalty decision costs them opportunity of promotion
NEWPORT County boss Michael Flynn hit out at referee Bobby Madley after his side’s controversial League Two play-off final defeat to Morecambe at Wembley.
The Exiles saw a highly convincing penalty shout waved away early on during a tense encounter in the English capital, with Morecambe goalkeeper Kyle Letheren appearing to catch Newport’s Scot Bennett after attempting to try punch away a long throw.
Then, deep into extra-time, Madley awarded the Shrimps a spot kick after Ryan Haynes was penalised for an apparent foul on Shrimps substitute John O’Sullivan.
Replays suggested that the challenge was actually made outside the box, and also seemed to show minimal contact from the Newport man.
But for Madley, it was enough to point to the spot, with Carlos Mendes Gomes stepping up to roll home the resulting penalty.
Having been on the receiving end of a similarly questionable decision against Tranmere on their last visit to Wembley two years ago, Flynn predictably cut a figure of frustration at full-time, after once again watching his side end a brilliant season in heartbreak.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “Look. First of all I want to say congratulations to Morecambe.
“They’ve had an outstanding season and Derek Adams has done a fantastic job. They’ve got a very, very good group of players that never know when they’re beaten.
“But two very, very bad refereeing decisions, again, have cost us at Wembley.
“First of all it was a terrible decision. If there was contact, it was outside the box and he’s made the most of it. Then there’s the other one that wasn’t given in the first half when their goalkeeper punched our player in the head.
“But I want to concentrate on giving congratulations to Morecambe, and how proud I am of my players and staff for the season they’ve had this year and the way they’ve conducted themselves. I’m just gutted for those fans that have had to sit there and see their team on the wrong side of bad decisions at Wembley.”
After a second play-off final defeat in three years, Newport are likely to face a summer of rebuilding, with
Flynn’s own future likely to be the subject of speculation after another impressive campaign.
However, Flynn is keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of his next move.
“It’s been a long season. A tough season with Covid etc. I need some time to recharge and then I’ll talk with the board and see where we go from here. I’ve always got desire. Football runs through my veins. It’s something I love doing. I know that I’ve improved as a manager. The way we’ve played the game, we’ve played some really good football. It’s just time to go away and reflect now.”