SHREWSBURY Town manager Sam Ricketts has backed Michael Flynn to get Newport County AFC “punching above their weight” again during the 2019-2020 season.

Jamille Matt's goal saw County beat the Shrews 1-0 in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly and Ricketts was impressed with the Exiles.

“Flynny’s done a good job there for a number of years,” said the former Wales international. “He’s got to rebuild a little bit after losing a few in the summer but they looked good.

“I don’t think the play-off final defeat will be an issue. They’ll be fine and I’m sure they’ll be punching above their weight again.”

On his own side’s display, Ricketts said: “Pre-season is difficult; it’s hard as players to motivate yourself, I think. It’s hugely different to league games, but it was a good workout for both sides. We probably had the better chances but didn’t put them away.”

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Reacting to the win, Flynn said: “I don’t read too much into friendlies, in terms of results.

“As long as you’re trying the right things, learning and putting what we’ve been doing into practice, and we don’t pick up any injuries, then I’ll be happy.

“But, when you win the game, keep a clean sheet and play some really good football on a tough pitch, I’m really pleased.

“Let’s give them a little bit more credit as well because we’re a couple of weeks behind Shrewsbury.

“I thought it was a very worthwhile exercise and it was good food for thought for me.”

County are next in action at Bath City on Friday night (kick-off 7pm).

“We gave them the extra week off because of the play-offs but they’ve all come back in really good shape,” added Flynn.

“We had a good week in Spain where they really worked their socks off in very hot temperatures and we played well against a good Egyptian team.

“This was only our second game and we go again now on Friday and we’ll step it up.

“Different players will have more minutes and it’s all about getting them all chomping at the bit for the first game of the season.”

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