NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn hailed substitute Jamille Matt as the “game-changer” as his side came from two goals down to win a six-goal thriller at Rodney Parade.

Reggie Lambe’s double had put Cambridge United in charge in the first half after County had lost goalkeeper Joe Day to a family emergency before kick-off and defender Mark O’Brien to a hamstring injury after just three minutes.

But Matt’s introduction on 39 minutes helped start the Exiles’ recovery.

Mickey Demetriou slotted in a penalty to halve the arrears in first-half stoppage-time before a three-goal blitz in 13 second-half minutes earned Flynn’s men three points.

Padraig Amond levelled five minutes after the break before Matt headed in two Dan Butler crosses to win the match.

“The fans got their money’s worth but it’s no good for my blood pressure,” said Flynn.

“The way we started just wasn’t what we’re about and you start fearing the worst with Joe Day missing then Mark O’Brien going off and then you go 2-0 down.

“They were poor goals – we gave them too much time and too much space.

“You start to think what else can go wrong.

“But we made a big decision to put Jamille on and it changed the game.

“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but I’m paid to make those decisions and I hope I get more right than I get wrong,” he added.

“Goals change games and we’ve shown an abundance of character today.

“We were excellent, apart from the two goals. The players put a lot of effort in and showed the fans how much it means to them.”

County are now second in the table ahead of Tuesday night’s home match against bottom club Macclesfield Town.