Newport boss Michael Flynn bemoans costly mistake

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2018 by PA

Newport boss Michael Flynn was left counting the cost of a defensive gaffe as County drew 1-1 with Morecambe.

Padraig Amond fired County ahead inside a minute at Rodney Parade, but Kevin Ellison took advantage of a defensive mistake from Tyler Forbes to secure a point.

“It is two points dropped, let’s not dress it up. We should have been out of sight,” admitted Flynn.

“There was a little bit of sloppiness in defence that allowed Kevin to get his annual goal against us.

“It is frustrating because we missed too many chances. We should have buried them, there was only one team that should have won that game.

“Morecambe are a strong group, very resilient and made the most of our error. We played quite well without finishing our chances and killing them off.

“We had a great start, but it means nothing when you concede a goal like that. It was a frustrating day at the office.”

As for Morecambe manager Jim Bentley, he left Wales delighted at stealing a point and seeing his side grow into the game after conceding a goal within 30 seconds.

“Our approach play was very good but we didn’t get it right in the final third. It was a shocking start, we weathered the storm and then got the goal in the end when we got the rub of the green,” said Bentley.

“We got stronger and stronger and it was great to see Kevin get his first goal of the season in the end. After only 30 seconds we were one goal down and it could easily have gone to two nil, but we stuck in there.”

And Bentley had a special mention for goalscorer Ellison.

The veteran netted his sixth goal for Morecambe against County to ensure his side did not lose their unbeaten record against them in Newport since the Exiles’ return to the English Football League in 2013.

“I told Kevin he wasn’t going to start, but told him he would still have a part to play in the game. And I asked him to keep up his record of always scoring against Newport,” said Bentley.

“What a fantastic player to bring off the bench. The home fans were booing him as he came onto the field, but he loves it.

“For him to get the equaliser and then tail off to the home fans was great. That’s what he’s all about.”