NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn believes today’s trip to second-placed Accrington Stanley will be a key examination of whether his side are ready to take the next step in their promotion quest.

After a run of four games without a win in the league, the prospect of coming up against John Coleman’s high-flying Stanley is not the fixture most supporters would want to see.

But Flynn has been pleased with the performances from his side of late – even if the results haven’t gone their way.

Speaking about their recent form, Flynn said:

“Obviously I would like to see more points on the board but the performances have been there,” he said.

“We deserved to win against Mansfield and probably should have got a draw against Colchester, but if we want to keep progressing and stay in the mix then we need to start picking up points.”

Despite their winless run, the Exiles supporters will travel to Lancashire with fond memories of the Wham Stadium having seen their side secure what turned out to be a priceless victory there last October – to secure three points that were crucial in preserving their League Two status last season.

Flynn may have overseen that Great Escape and maintained the feel-good factor around the club with a strong start that sees them sitting in ninth place, but he is also all too aware of Accrington’s strengths.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of managers this season who have said that Accrington have been the best side they have played,” said the Exiles boss.

“I’m not surprised at all because John Coleman has done a brilliant job there.

“He puts together competitive teams on lesser budgets than other teams and gets a good group of talented and hungry players playing for the club.

They have a very good team ethic, good togetherness and footballers who play with a real freedom.”

With County lying just one point outside of the play-off places, Flynn knows his side must perform against the top teams if they are to maintain a promotion push.

“The players have been superb since I’ve been in charge the ones who were here last year and the new ones, and we want to be in and amongst it at the top so we’ve got to perform well against the big teams.”