Flynn full of praise for County battlers

NEWPORT County caretaker manager Mike Flynn was full of praise for the character of his players after they boosted the Exiles’ League Two survival hopes with a hard-earned victory over play-off hopefuls Exeter City at St James Park.

After a delayed kick off, due to the County team bus getting caught up in traffic on the M5, Tom Owen-Evans struck a stunning effort, his first for the club, in the second half to secure all three points for County and move them just three points from safety with five games to go.

“We lost Sean Rigg to injury, we lost Joss Labadie to suspension – big players for us.

“We had Mitch Rose being sick on the pitch and at half time, Alex Samuel has been sick and Mark Randall hasn’t played for a long time,” Flynn said.

“But the people who came in were absolutely outstanding. The lads have been magnificent since I’ve been here and again they’ve shown that.

“To go and beat a team fighting for the play-offs at their own ground and in the manner that we did it means it was the best performance since I’ve been in charge.

“I thought the lads were absolutely outstanding and deserved the victory.”

Ryan Harley and David Wheeler both went close, once the game finally got underway, as the hosts made a positive start but a combination of goalkeeping heroics from Joe Day and a dogged defensive display kept the score level at the break.

County emerged from the break more adventurous and Owen-Evans was at the heart of everything for County.

He blazed over when well placed after an error from Christy Pym but only had to wait a few minutes to make amends.

The County academy graduate tried his luck from 25 yards and his luck was in as his shot crept in the bottom corner of Pym’s net to put the visitors ahead. Ollie Watkins and Reuben Reid both went close to an equaliser as Exeter piled on the pressure but County stood strong to claim all three points.

County next face Yeovil Town on Good Friday before a trip to Plymouth on Easter Monday.