Back to league reality for Flynn’s FA Cup heroes

AFTER the glitz and glamour of an FA Cup tie with Premier League giants Manchester City, it’s a return to the grind of League Two action for Newport County tonight (7.45pm).

Just days after producing a more than credible performance in a 4-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s superstars, currently top of the football pyramid, Mike Flynn’s side travel to face League Two’s bottom side Notts County.

While all the focus has been on their money-spinning cup run, the Exiles have dropped to 15th in the league.

Still, Newport will hope to use the feelgood factor they’ve garnered from facing the likes of Leicester and Manchester City to their benefit for the rest of the season.

“The whole club can be really proud of what we’ve achieved this year. It’s been fantastic for everyone,” said Newport striker Padraig Amond.

“Everything is going really well and it’s been a fantastic run for the club on a number of fronts. As players we hope we can build on this going back into the league.

“It’s unbelievable what we’ve achieved for the financial side of the club as well. The club is secure for the next couple of years and it gives us a platform now.

“The most important thing is all the little kids here have got all this to aspire to now.

“For years kids around here would have been growing up wanting to play for Cardiff, Bristol or Swansea, but now they will grow up and be proud of wanting to support Newport.”

While Newport are full of confidence, Notts County are bottom of League Two and facing the very real prospect of dropping out of the Football League.

But the Magpies, managed by former Cardiff winger Neal Ardley, won last time out, a 1-0 victory over Mansfield at Meadow Lane on Saturday.