A FIGHTING County have taken a big punch once again, but they’ve got one more shot.

With Cheltenham and County both hosting strugglers, this may be the weekend that changes or seals the fate of the Exiles.

Tuesday and Saturday highlighted two excellent performances, but a draw and defeat does little in the battle for survival.

Newport look spirited and hungry, a team throwing absolutely everything at the opposition and unfortunately getting very little for it.

From coming on as subs Marlon Jackson and Mark Randall have been brilliant this week, and credit has to go to Michael Flynn on how much they seemed to have improved.

For me, Flynn has been a good manager so far for County and regardless of what happens I don’t think there are many rushing to take his place, and many who deserve it either.

Flynn has got this team competing in all aspects of the game, and the only downfall County have had this week is their finishing.

In both second halves we have been as good or at a push the better side. We’ve created plenty of dangerous opportunities, and with a bit more luck, things could have been so different.

The Exiles have had arguably one of the toughest weeks of the season, and it’s easy to overlook what a challenge it was against two of the biggest clubs in the division; both of which were top division sides in the past.

Against teams who are lower in the league, and less likely to be in League One next season, things may have been different.

County take on Crawley on Saturday in what is another big encounter.

Of the remaining seven games this is, on paper, the easiest as Crawley are at the southern part of the table and County have home advantage.

But I don’t envisage it being easy at all!

Also add to the equation Cheltenham take on Morecambe.

Jim Bentley’s side have lost all of their last six games and this may be their best chance of picking up three points in the remaining seven.

If they win and we lose even the most optimistic will have mapped out Guiseley on their Satnav, if it’s the other way around, then things start to get very interesting!