NEWPORT County AFC caretaker manager Michael Flynn says victory at promotion-chasing Exeter City has sent out a message to their relegation rivals – the chase is on!

Tom Owen-Evans scored his first goal in senior football to seal a shock win at St James Park in a match that was delayed by 45 minutes as the County team bus was held up by stationary traffic on the M5.

It means the Exiles are now just three points behind Hartlepool United and four behind Cheltenham Town with five games to go.

And Flynn’s men are full of confidence ahead of an Easter double-header at home to Yeovil Town and away to Plymouth Argyle.

“It’s a big statement; we’re going to keep fighting and we’re not going to stop fighting for as long as I’m here,” said the Exiles boss.

“The boys have been brilliant and they deserve all the credit.

“We’ve won four out of seven now so we’ve definitely got momentum but that counts for nothing – we’re still behind two team who we want to catch.

“We’re three points behind Hartlepool now and four behind Cheltenham and they’ve got each other in a couple of weeks.

“I’d like to be four points clear of them both by then, if I’m honest.

“But that’s an ideal world and we know that we’ve got to keep going and keep working hard.

“We can go anywhere and get a result,” he added. “We should have got something at Portsmouth, who for me are arguably the best team in the league.

“We’re not scared of anyone. We give people respect and we do our homework on teams and players.

“We prepare well and the players were absolutely outstanding to get two clean sheets in a row.”

South Wales Argus:

The County players celebrated their win with the 364 travelling fans who had battled through the gridlock to make it to Devon.

“I know how important these fans are, I know most of them and they’re a great group,” said Flynn.

“They’ve been through a lot and they’ve always backed us.

“They are outstanding and the players just went over to show their gratitude.”

Owen-Evans’ 53rd-minute winner was scored in front of the away fans and Flynn wants more goals from the 20-year-old midfielder.

“I’m buzzing for Tom, he deserves it,” he said. “But I’m going to be demanding now and make sure he does it next week as well.

“He’s got to keep it going. There’s competition for places because Riggy will be back and everybody is fighting for the shirt.”

Sean Rigg missed Saturday’s match as a precaution.

“Sean hurt his ankle earlier in the week,” explained Flynn.

“We thought he was going to be alright but he wasn’t quite right and, looking at the bigger picture, we can’t afford for him to be out for the rest of the season.

“I’m hoping that he will be available for Friday.”