NEWPORT County AFC goalkeeper Joe Day endured a difficult afternoon against Stevenage on Saturday but manager Michael Flynn is convinced he has the best stopper in League Two.

Day failed to deal convincingly with a number of high balls into the box in the first half and opted not to come out to claim a cross from Ronnie Henry that led to Chris Whelpdale heading in the only goal of the game for the visitors.

But the Exiles number one did prevent Luke Amos and Danny Newton from stretching Stevenage’s lead with some impressive saves.

And Flynn is fully supportive of the 27-year-old who has been one of the most consistent performers throughout the campaign.

“He’s been fantastic all season,” said the manager. “He’s been the best goalkeeper in the League, for me.

“They all have an off day and it wasn’t his mistake that cost us the goal anyway.

“He’s fine, he will be fine and he’s got my 100 per cent backing.”

Day is County’s longest-serving player having first arrived on loan in August 2014 and then sealed a permanent switch from Peterborough United for what was then a club record fee in December of the same year.

He has built up a reputation as one of the best shot-stoppers in the fourth tier and turned down offers from elsewhere to sign a new two-year contract last summer.

Teammate David Pipe is a big fan of the goalkeeper.

“As a defender I’ve made a couple of mistakes through the season and he’s pulled it out for me,” said Pipe.

“Joe’s a similar personality to me – he’ll hold his hands up if he thinks he needs to.

“He’s been immense for us and not just this year but for the past few years.

“One bad game is not a massive deal. He’s a big man and I’m sure he’ll get back to his best.”

Stevenage boss Dino Maamria, who coached Day last season during his time as assistant to Graham Westley, also lent his support to the Brighton-born gloveman.

“Joe is a very good keeper at this level,” he said.

“I didn’t think he cost them on the goal – it was a good goal (from our point of view). “And I think he saved them a few times as well. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

The Exiles have conceded 51 goals in 40 games in League Two this season – an average of 1.275 goals per game.

Day has 11 clean sheets so far in the league and 13 in all competitions and he is fourth in the division in terms of saves made with 137.

Only Exeter City’s Christy Pym (159), Cambridge United’s David Forde (144) and Colchester United’s Sam Walker (143) have made more saves.