Flynn Shrewsbury Link Dismissed After ‘Massive’ Win

Michael Flynn dismissed speculation linking him with the vacancy at Shrewsbury – and paid tribute to experienced striker Padraig Amond after Newport’s 2-0 win against Colchester.

On the Shrewsbury rumours, Flynn said: “I have genuinely not heard anything.

“I am just carrying on. If an approach did come in then the football club will deal with it.

“It’s something that as far as I know is just speculation. Nobody has approached me, I haven’t heard anything. 

Newport County manager Mike Flynn. Pic: Getty Images.

“It’s flattering if you’re linked with a job at a higher level, but it just goes to show how well we’re doing. My staff, the players and myself.”

Flynn was keen to talk about man of the match Amond, saying: “That was one of the best League Two performances I have ever seen. 

“He was by far the best player on the park. His performance was first class in so many ways.”

Jamille Matt (54 mins) and Cameron Pring (67) were the County scorers, while they kept a third successive clean sheet.

Newport County striker Padraig Amond, Pic: Getty Images.

“This was a massive win,” said Flynn. “Colchester were by far the better team during the first half. I am never afraid to say that.

“They moved us around, but we kept our shape and the boys showed a desire to defend.

“For all Colchester’s possession they didn’t really create a clear opportunity, but their passing was slick.”

Newport moved back into the automatic promotion places in League Two, leapfrogging their visitors.

The Exiles stay five points off the top, although the league has a new leader in MK Dons, but it remains tight in the top half with County only five points clear of Forest Green Rovers in 10th.

Flynn opted to play 4-4-2 formation for the first time this season with goalkeeper Joe Day playing behind Mickey Demetriou, Fraser Franks, Dan Butler and David Pipe in a four-man defence.

Matty Dolan returned to the centre of midfield to partner Tyreeq Bakinson, while Robbie Willmott and Antoine Semenyo played wide.

Amond and Matt led the line for the Exiles.

Tyreeq Bakinson. Pic: Getty Images.

Willmott started well, but had to go off after 30 minutes with a hamstring injury and Bring took over.

County took the lead after 54 minutes when Matty Dolan’s corner from the right was guided across goal by Amond and Matt was left with a simple, close range finish.

Pring started and finished the move which tore apart the U’s defence and Bakinson picked out his fellow Bristol City loanee and the left-back finished clinically.

“I’ll take credit for that,” said Flynn. “We worked on that move in training with the winger running inside between the full-backs and centre-backs.

“It was a great pass by Tyreeq and beautifully finished.” 

Amond was outstanding, his off-the-ball running was immense and he tracked back to clear one Frank Nouble effort off the line.

During stoppage time Pring almost scored his second of the night after some dazzling footwork from substitute Mark Harris, but he hit the underside of the bar.

Newport County AFC (4-4-2): Day, Pipe, Franks, Demetriou (capt), Butler, Willmott (Pring 34), Dolan (O’Brien 90), Bakinson, Semenyo (Harris 86), Matt, Amond. Subs not used: Townsend, Sheehan, Hillman, Cooper

Colchester United (4-2-3-1): Barnes, Jackson, Kent, Prosser (capt), Vincent-Young, Lapslie (Gondoh 76), Wright, Senior (Collins 80), Szmodics, Dickenson (Mandron 58), Nouble. Subs not used: Mandron, James, Chilvers, Ross, Kensdale

Referee: Roger East

Attendance: 3,512

League Two

		Team	P	GD	Pts
1		MK Dons	18	16	37
2		Lincoln City	17	17	36
3		Newport	18	-2	32
4		Colchester	18	13	31
5		Mansfield	18	13	31
6		Exeter	18	9	30
7		Tranmere	18	8	30
8		Bury	18	14	29
9		Stevenage	18	1	28
10		Forest Green	18	8	27
11		Carlisle	18	1	26
12		Oldham	18	5	24
13		Crawley	18	-6	23
14		Northampton	18	-1	22
15		Crewe	18	-2	22
16		Port Vale	18	-5	22
17		Yeovil	16	5	21
18		Swindon	18	-7	21
19		Morecambe	18	-11	20
20		Grimsby	18	-11	18
21		Cambridge	18	-13	18
22		Cheltenham	17	-10	14
23		Notts County	18	-19	14
24		Macclesfield	18	-23	7