Newport's Michael Flynn and Scott Twine up for EFL awards

The Exiles are setting the pace in League Two after taking 18 from 21 possible points last month.

County beat Mansfield and then responded to a 2-1 loss at fellow high-flyers Cambridge with five straight wins against Tranmere, Stevenage, Bradford, Colchester and Harrogate.

Their exploits have been recognised in the nominations for the monthly EFL awards.

Flynn will go up against Chris Beech, whose Carlisle United team beat County at the start of November to climb to fifth, sixth-placed Cheltenham's Michael Duff and fourth-placed Exeter's Matt Taylor.

Twine has been a huge hit in Newport since arriving from Swindon Town on loan, with his form raising fears that the League One side will recall him in January.

The 21-year-old scored three goals, against Mansfield, Cambridge and Colchester, and notched two assists in January.

His long-range shooting has kept goalkeepers on their toes while his delivery from set pieces has threatened and led to late winners against Colchester and Harrogate.

County know all about two of Twine’s rivals for the award – Carlisle midfielder Jon Mellish, a converted central defender, struck twice in the 3-2 win last week while Paul Mullin’s double was the difference in Cambridge’s narrow win, two of his impressive eight-goal tally for October.

The final contender is Crawley striker Max Watters with the winners of both awards announced on Friday morning.

Former Wolves striker Don Goodman is on the panel for both honours, with former Barnsley boss Danny Wilson joining him to decide the manager of the month.