CHRIS Whelpdale scored the only goal of the game to earn three points for Stevenage and condemn Newport County AFC to defeat at Rodney Parade. Here's what we learned...

1. We can finally write off the play-offs

Michael Flynn admitted after the match that a top-seven finish is now “improbable” and it’s hard to think anything else when looking at the table.

They do still have a game in hand but, with just six left to play, County are down to 13th and still 11 points below the play-offs.

Barring a miracle that would surpass even last season’s Great Escape, the Exiles will be playing League Two football again next term.

2. County’s current run is relegation form

It is now just one win in 14 games for Flynn’s men. Two of those were against Tottenham Hotspur so it’s only fair to discount those but a run of one win in 12 league games still makes for miserable reading.

The Exiles have earned just nine points from a possible 36 since the 2-1 win over Crawley Town on January 19, which briefly took them to fifth in the table.

As the manager admitted after yesterday’s match, it is fortunate that they have enough points in the bank or they might be looking anxiously over their shoulders right now.

3. The goal threat has disappeared

After a goalless February, a 3-3 draw with Forest Green Rovers opened the floodgates but that proved to be a false dawn and things have dried up once again.

County have scored only 10 goals in their last 12 matches, an average of 0.83 goals per game, compared to 16 in the previous 12 (1.3 goals per game).

Paul Hayes was the only striker to score in March and Padraig Amond and Frank Nouble have not netted since January.

4. Flynn is questioning the players’ attitude

For the first time in a long time the manager was critical of the effort and desire on display from his team yesterday.

Flynn admitted that Stevenage “wanted it more” and “looked more up for it” and he made his feelings clear in the dressing room after the final whistle.

Those players who are out of contract in the summer did little to convince the boss that they deserve a new deal.

South Wales Argus:

5. County fans have forgiven Maamria and Samuel

Both former assistant manager Dino Maamria (above) and Great Escape hero Alex Samuel received a warm welcome from the home fans in the Hazell Stand.

Samuel who was booed by County fans on the opening day of the season after choosing to join Stevenage, did not get off the bench but was applauded as he walked along the touchline.

And Maamria, who admitted he and Graham Westley deserved to be sacked last season, avoided any serious stick as he claimed only his third win in 14 league games in the dugouts at Rodney Parade.