NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn was left frustrated after his side saw a chance of securing their safety snatched away at Carlisle United but he insists they will be ready for one last cup final next week.

County’s battle to beat the drop will go to the final day after Carlisle fought back from a goal down to take all three points at Brunton Park.

Flynn’s men looked set to complete the Great Escape in Cumbria when Mickey Demetriou headed them in front after just 12 minutes.

But two goals in three second-half minutes from Jabo Ibehre and Nicky Adams turned the game on its head.

“It was frustrating,” said Flynn. “I’m not going to dress it up; we lost to a better team today.

“They were a lot better than us and the amount of crosses they got into the box was far too many for my liking.

“We were very good in the second part of the first half and deserved the lead but we lost Alex Samuel and Mark Randall and that killed us.

“But we’ve just got to dust ourselves down and go again now.”

Flynn’s men remain two points clear of Hartlepool United, who lost at Cheltenham Town today.

And they must now match or better Pools’ result at home to promoted Doncaster Rovers when they host Notts County at Rodney Parade next Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).

“It would have been unbelievable if we could have got it done today but you can see why they’re in the play-off, they’re a very good team,” said the Exiles boss.

“Hartlepool lost so we haven’t lost any ground.

“It’s a two-horse race now and only one of us is going to stay up.

“I said a few weeks ago we’ve got six cup finals and we’re down to one now.

“And I want to make sure we win so we're not checking our phones or listening to the crowd on how Hartlepool are doing.

"It's not going to be easy. Notts County have won again today against a good Blackpool team so it's going to be a tough game.

"But we've got to go and get the three points."