Michael Flynn: Newport deserved late win against Morecambe

The Exiles won 2-1 at Rodney Parade thanks to Matty Dolan slotting home an 83rd minute penalty that was earned when Scott Twine and Josh Sheehan combined impressively.

County started strongly and took the lead when Padraig Amond scored from close range only to be pegged back by Carlos Mendes-Gomes.

The game was in the balance but it was the hosts that earned three points late on, just as they did against Mansfield, Colchester, Harrogate and Port Vale.

County weren’t at their slickest but showed their fighting spirit to take the spoils and stay ahead of second-placed Cheltenham.

They are just shy of a third of a way through the campaign and have a four-point lead over fourth-placed Carlisle with a game in hand.

“That’s the way to win a football match and if you do that 15 times a season in that manner then you are in a very good position,” said Flynn.

“It was a pleasing win against a tough Morecambe team who have got one of the best away records in the division and came to counter.

“We didn’t grind it out today, we kept going and got a late goal, but that was nothing more than we deserved.

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“We switched the ball, the centre-backs were coming out, the wing-backs were high and wide. It was really pleasing to watch, especially in the first half.

“Their goal was a mistake from us; we know that with the Rodney Parade pitch it will either be a worldie or a mistake that will lead to goals.”

County have taken 22 points from a possible 24 on home soil thanks to their late strikes.

“It’s not about luck, it was nothing less than we deserved. We were the better team, they came to counter and will cause teams problems,” said Flynn.

“Morecambe are a difficult team to break down and are very organised, with pace on the break. That means it was a big win for us.”

County now play three away games with Tuesday's trip to Grimsby followed by games at Leyton Orient and Salford.