Michael Flynn unhappy with Newport County after Forest Green draw

Posted Wednesday, March 07, 2018 by PA

Newport County manager Michael Flynn was angry at his side’s wastefulness as the Welsh club were held to a 3-3 draw by Forest Green Rovers.

A late Lee Collins goal ensured a share of the spoils despite the home side dominating the second half.

An enthralling first half resulted in five goals with a double from Paul Hayes – following a strike from Dan Butler – putting Michael Flynn’s side into the ascendancy.

But an own goal from Butler and a first-half strike from captain Gavin Gunning kept the visitors in the game.

“We created enough chances to win two football matches tonight,” said Flynn.

“We could have scored a hatful of goals today.

“You score three goals and you expect to win a football match. I am incredibly frustrated.

“When they equalised we nearly went down the other end and scored. We were too deep and that’s where their third goal came from.

“But I thought Paul Hayes was absolutely exceptional tonight. He headed in the first one and he was outstanding.

“He showed why he has had such a long career and he can teach a lot of the young players how to play the game properly.”

Collins ensured a share of the spoils when he drilled his shot into the far-right hand corner with just five minutes remaining.

Rovers were then forced to defend for their lives as the Exiles pushed hard for a winner but their defence stayed resolute.

“I would have taken a point before the game,” said Forest Green manager Mark Cooper.

“We trained very hard this week but our defence went missing on the night.

“We knew that Newport put an awful lot of balls forward and they thrive on set-pieces. The message in the build-up was don’t give silly free kicks away and don’t give throwing’s away.

“But we conceded far too many corners and free kicks. We didn’t defend our box well enough and we never won the first header.”