Significance of three points not lost on Flynn

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020 by PA

Newport manager Michael Flynn was delighted with his side’s performance as they beat Macclesfield 1-0 at Rodney Parade.

The Exiles are now eight points off the Sky Bet League Two play-off places with three games in hand on their rivals after a first-half goal from captain Joss Labadie earned them all three points from a game they dominated.

Flynn said afterwards: “I thought we played quite well for the majority of the match but looked a bit tired towards the end.

“We had one or two new faces in our side and players coming back from injury. We held firm to get three points.

“We could have scored more if it wasn’t for their keeper. I’m just happy with the three points, which is more important.

“All the players worked hard for each other and it was a solid performance. I thought Joss was very good and he’s starting to get back to his old self on a consistent basis.

“He needs to play like this every game but he could have had a hat-trick in the first half. Hopefully it will be an exciting end to the season.

“Hopefully we will get one of two more players back in, as we have injuries. As long as we keep everybody fit then these games in hand will be good as we’ll have momentum.

“I thought Jordan Green was excellent tonight and was a real attacking threat which gave us a little bit extra.”

Macclesfield came close to opening the scoring when right wing Arthur Gnahoua found himself one-on-one with Tom King but shot inches wide.

The Exiles broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Labadie’s header beat Macclesfield keeper Jonathan Mitchell at the far post after a fantastic cross from Green, who caused havoc with his pace down the touchline.

Padraig Amond could also have made it 2-0 before the break with his shot punched wide by Mitchell, who was forced into an outstanding save after half-time as he acrobatically tipped Labadie’s shot over the crossbar.

The Silkmen pushed hard for an equaliser but could not break down Newport’s defensive resolve and boss Mark Kennedy said: “I’m disappointed and frustrated.

“We had the two best chances of the game with two one-on-ones. If we had got our noses in front it would have changed the game.

“Ultimately I was disappointed in how we failed to execute our game plan. We came with a clear idea of what we wanted to do and how we were going to do it.

“But unfortunately we just couldn’t do it. We didn’t play the pitch or the opposition well enough.

“This is a great group to work with but we weren’t clinical enough. Newport are a tough side to play against.”