NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has leapt to the defence of Joe Day after the goalkeeper came in for heavy criticism from some fans last week.

Day was blamed by some supporters for the three goals that County conceded in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Carlisle United at Rodney Parade.

But, while he accepts that mistakes were made as two points went begging, Flynn has given his full backing to his number one.

“I don’t think the criticism is fair,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s been excellent this season and he’s probably one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

“I’m not too interested in fans who are criticising people.

“Let’s try and get behind the team and support them when the team needs them, not just when it’s going well.

“The unfortunate thing is that usually when you make a mistake as a goalkeeper you get punished for it.

“But he’s saved us in a lot of games this season and I think he’s been excellent.”

Flynn also dismissed the notion that he needs to sign another goalkeeper to provide competition for Day.

“I’m not buying that theory at all,” he said. “I think he’s been excellent all season and he’s a key member of our team, not just our squad.”

County conceded three goals in the first 17 minutes of the second half against Carlisle but Flynn insists there is no major problem with his defence or his goalkeeper.

“I’m putting the three goals down to a bad day at the office because we haven’t looked like conceding anything like that all season,” he added.

“It was just one of those days.

“For three of them to happen in one game was uncharacteristic of the players and of us as a group but I’m sure we’ll move on from it.

“You only have to look at the Cambridge game the week before to see how well they defended.

“They don’t become bad players or a bad unit overnight. This is League Two and mistakes happen.”