NEWPORT County AFC boss Michael Flynn slammed the decision to not play with VAR in the League Two play-off final after they suffered Wembley agony for the second time.

Just like against Tranmere in 2019, the Exiles manager was fuming after Morecambe won 1-0 to earn the final place in League One next season.

County were denied a penalty in the first half when Scot Bennett was caught on the head by goalkeeper Kyle Letheren after he had flicked on a long throw.

Former Premier League referee Bobby Madley failed to given a penalty but he pointed to the spot at the start of the second half of extra time.

Ryan Haynes was adjudged to have fouled John O’Sullivan, although replays showed that it was a theatrical fall after contact started outside the box.

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Carlos Mendes Gomes slotted the penalty to put the Shrimps into League One for the first time in their history and condemn County to another season in the fourth tier.

“We should have had a penalty in the first half, 100 per cent,” said Flynn. “I've watched it about three times just to make sure what I was saying in the press is right and it's not clutching at straws.”

On Morecambe’s penalty, he said: “I am somebody who is always honest and that was a hideous decision from the referee. If it was a foul then it was outside the box, but I'm not even sure it was a foul.

“It was a terrible decision and it looked like he couldn't wait to give it.”

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Flynn repeated his call from 2019 to have VAR in the EFL play-offs but doesn’t expect action to be taken.

“There is too much riding on it. I've had the chance of promotion twice now and it's been undone by two poor decisions,” he said.

“Those players have had a chance to go up another league, to earn more money, the club has a chance to earn more money, the supporters have a chance to go to places like Sunderland.

“It's ludicrous how VAR is not in. It's probably the best stadium in the world and there is so much riding on it.

“They will say that we haven't had it all season but that's a cop out. I said it two years ago and nothing was done, I don't think that anything will be done again.”

County set a record for points since their return to the Football League in a terrific season that also featured runs in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

The manager hailed his squad ahead of a summer of change, with the likes of Josh Sheehan likely to move to clubs in higher leagues.

“I have told them to get their heads up. I am so proud of them, they are a joy to work with and a credit to themselves,” he said.

“Just because we lost in a massive game doesnt' change how I feel about them, they are a credit to the club.”