NEWPORT County AFC player-coach Michael Flynn has issued a rallying cry to supporters ahead of tonight’s crucial home clash with Morecambe, insisting the players will never give up in the battle to beat the drop.

Flynn, who is expected to wear the captain’s armband again tonight, highlighted the importance of the fans’ backing as the Exiles look to close the gap on their relegation rivals.

Saturday’s last-gasp defeat at Cambridge United left them seven points from safety and made tonight’s game in hand even more important.

Newport-born Flynn is adamant that the players are up for the fight and he appealed for the fans to give the team their full backing.

“Saturday was really frustrating but there are no excuses,” said the 36-year-old midfielder turned emergency centre-back.

“We were 2-0 up and to lose it from there is not good enough but there is no doom and gloom in the squad.

“There are 15 games to go and we certainly won’t be downing tools.

“We’re up for the fight and we won’t give up – the manager and the local lads like me, Darren Jones and David Pipe will make sure of that.

“We know how important this club is to the people of Newport and all the hard work that the volunteers put in.

“The fans will always be there for this club and we need them to be the 12th man against Morecambe, just like they were at Cheltenham a few weeks back.”

Saturday’s 3-2 defeat saw Mitch Rose sent off after conceding a stoppage-time penalty but the red card has been overturned on appeal and the midfielder will be able to play tonight.

That is a big boost as the Exiles look to get the win they so desperately need.

“It’s crucial,” said Flynn. “Is it do or die? No but we need a win and I can promise you that the effort will be there – just like it was on Saturday.

“We’ll show how much we’re hurting and how much we care and we’ll be fighting for every point from now until the end of the season.

“We’ve been matching teams – we’ve drawn five, won one and lost one in the last seven games – and now we just need to find that little bit extra to turn defeats into draws and draws into wins.”

Pipe, who led County to promotion as captain at Wembley in 2013, is also determined to do all he can to help the club avoid a return to non-league football.

“Saturday was frustrating but we need to take that frustration and turn it into a positive by going and getting three points,” he said.

“We need everyone shouting behind us to create a good atmosphere.

“They won’t want to come here so let’s make it a hard place to come and walk away with three points at the end.”