Flynn rues late ‘wonder strike’ but warns Newport must improve

Newport manager Michael Flynn admitted his side were “beaten by a wonder strike” after seeing a point snatched from his team’s grasp by an injury time thunderbolt from Carlisle skipper Danny Grainger.

Grainger missed a series of home defeats with a calf injury, but marked his return to action with an unstoppable shot from 25 yards just minutes after Dan Butler grabbed a late equaliser for the Welshmen.

Flynn confessed: “We should have won today, but we lost to an absolute wonder strike.

“It’s frustrating because we have a fantastic opportunity to do things this season. If we continue to make mistakes people will find themselves out the door in January.

“Apart from the opening 15 minutes the boys were outstanding. We played some of the best football this club will have ever seen.

“We ripped them apart, but you can’t start the way we did. It’s cost us the game today.”

Flynn felt his side should have had at least a couple of penalties.

He said: “I spoke to the referee. We could have had four penalties, but definitely two. But I am more concerned about the goals we conceded at the start.

“I thought we played some blistering football. We were outstanding, but people switch off and don’t do their jobs and it’s criminal the way it’s costing us.

“We were not good enough in both boxes and one or two switched off at crucial moments.”

Carlisle had failed to score in their five previous home games, but were two up after 12 minutes thanks to a Jamie Devitt double.

Padraig Amond pulled one back before half-time and an end-to-end thriller ended in high drama as first Butler made it 2-2 with his 87th-minute goal, then Grainger stepped up with the final say.

Carlisle first-team coach Paul Murray said: “It’s a fantastic result. We haven’t scored in five previous games and got two in the first half.

“Newport are a good side and pass the ball well, so it’s a massive lift for the lads.

“We have been on a bad run, but it had to end some time and we have scored some great goals. We were under the cosh for a bit, but Adam Collin made some good saves as both sides had good chances.

“We changed our preparation this week and tried to do a few things different and that may have helped. At the end of the day the lads gave their all and went to the death. They showed hard work and character to get the winner.

“It’s a great feeling, but we still have things to work on. Danny gave a captain’s performance and he and Devitt are experienced players who make a difference to such a young squad.

“Danny just concentrated on getting the ball on target and it was a clean strike.”