MICHAEL Flynn believes Steve Evans’ description of Newport County AFC as a long-ball team is unfair.

Following last week’s 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade, Mansfield Town manager Evans described his pride after his side stood up to what he saw as an aerial bombardment.

Evans singled out the long throws from Ben Tozer as a big weapon in the Exiles’ arsenal.

“You can understand why they are sixth in the league,” said the Stags boss.

“With those long throws as well they are the longest ball team I’ve seen in a long time, but it’s very effective for Michael and his players. They know their jobs inside out.

“He throws it as far as many people can kick a cross and they play to it. It’s how they put you under pressure.

“It’s very difficult when you’re trying to be a footballing side and competing with that.

“But my players stood up brave and if anything we probably go away disappointed we’ve not won the game.”

County manager Flynn disagrees with Evans’ views on his side.

“All the analysis we did on them was that everything came from the big kick of their goalkeeper,” said the Exiles boss.

“I think Joe Day played the ball out from the back in that game more than he has in the previous four.

“And, with the amount of short balls that David Pipe was feeding Frank Nouble wide right, I don’t really feel like I’ve got to answer it if I’m honest.

“I understand why Steve has said it so good luck to him,” he added.

“I think he did allude to our long throw but why wouldn’t you use a weapon like that?

“I’ll use every strength we’ve got to try to get one over on the opposition.

“But I think it was a tad unfair to say that we’re a long ball team.

“I think we played them off the park at times.

“They did have one little good passage of play in the second half but that’s all I can remember.”