A HAMSTRING injury for Marlon Jackson put a dampener on the day for Newport County AFC manager Michael Flynn after his side had secured a fine 4-1 friendly win over Gloucester City.

The Exiles striker, a second-half substitute in the heavy rain at Evesham, limped off in the closing minutes after two goals apiece for Frank Nouble and Matty Dolan had earned the visitors victory.

It is a big blow for Jackson, who had scored in previous pre-season wins at Swindon Supermarine and Chippenham Town.

And Flynn is disappointed to lose one of his front men just two weeks before the start of the League Two campaign at Stevenage.

“I was gutted for Marlon,” said the boss, back from a UEFA Pro Licence study trip to Portugal.

“It looks like he has pulled him hamstring so we’ll know more next week.

“He’s looked really sharp in training and the matches so it’s put a downer on today.”

But Flynn was happy with the performance of a team that featured four trialists – two from the start and two substitutes.

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And he was particularly impressed by new signings Nouble (above) and Dolan, who both opened their accounts for their new side.

“There were a lot of positives today,” said Flynn.

“I thought we played some really good stuff. I thought the boys were switched on, they looked fit and I was really happy with some of the stuff we played.

“Frank just needs to keep doing what he is doing – he’s a handful,” he added.

“And you’ve seen Matty’s quality today and seen why I wanted him so much.

“He’s got class in abundance, great left foot, sees the game unbelievably and his attitude is spot on. I was really happy with Matty today.”

Another boost was a first pre-season outing for last season’s captain Joss Labadie, who was wearing a protective cast after a summer wrist operation.

Labadie may feature at Barry Town on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm) but most first teamers will be saved for the trip to Northampton Town next Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

“Joss has a new cast so it was great to get him 45 minutes I was really pleased with him,” he said.

“It’ll be mostly trialists and younger players [at Barry] if I’m honest. Some first-team players will be there but with the 3G pitch I have to be careful.”