Mike Flynn frustrated with missed chances as Newport are held at home

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

Newport manager Mike Flynn was left frustrated at his strikers for failing to finish off Crawley during their 0-0 draw at Rodney Parade.

Padraig Amond squandered a trio of first-half opportunities while Fraser Franks flashed a header wide on the hour mark and Amond failed to convert from Robbie Willmott’s cross late on.

The Exiles have not won in their last four Sky Bet League Two games and sit four points off the play-off places.

“We kept a clean sheet, there were plenty of positives to build on,” Flynn said. “We were the only team who came to win, they just played for the counter attack.

“They wanted to stop the rot and that’s what they did, but we missed far too many chances.

“It’s a clean sheet, we’ve moved up a place in the league and we have some positives to take.

“The missed chances were frustrating because they should be in the back of the net when you’re inside the six-yard box.

“But overall it’s been a really good year, when you’ve got people frustrated that we’re 10th in the league and in the third round of the FA Cup, it’s a big compliment considering we were almost relegated where I took charge.

“We should have won but didn’t, but the main thing was there was no errors and the boys kept going.”

Crawley manager Gabriele Cioffi claimed his first point away from home since taking charge and was pleased with his side’s spirit.

He said: “I’m happy, the point was brilliant for the boys. Now is the moment to understand what we have to do in the transfer market.

“The performance was good, the point was a big target for the boys today so now they can relax.

“We have to restart now because we have two important home games coming up.

“Every one of the players will have a chance to show what they can do and now is the moment to assess the squad.

“They all have to show me what they can do, and it is obvious that we should act in the transfer market.

“The board know my targets and will be able to support me to add energy and spirit inside the squad.

“We looked solid, we looked shaky last week but we were solid today. We have started putting performances in. Some errors have pushed us in opposite directions but we are better now.”