PADRAIG Amond's header earned Newport County AFC a point at Carlisle United as they ended the League Two season with a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park. Here's what we learned...
1. Time to savour a relaxed final day
It was one year ago today that the Exiles completed a remarkable recovery to avoid relegation on the final day thanks to that memorable last-gasp victory over Notts County.
Yesterday was a much less stressful end to the campaign and the County fans could enjoy the whole day rather than just the aftermath.
That is clearly progress but Michael Flynn and his team will be hoping they have something to play for at the right end of the table in 12 months’ time.
2. Great Escapes don’t happen every year
They so nearly followed in County’s footsteps and pulled off a stunning act of escapology but five wins out of eight were not quite enough to save Malcolm Allen and Barnet from relegation.
The Bees incredible revival after Allen replaced Graham Westley mirrored that achieved by Flynn and his side last season but Morecambe’s convenient draw at Coventry City saw the Lancashire side survive instead of the Londoners.
Barnet falling just short only highlights what a fantastic achievement it was for the Exiles last season.
3. O’Brien must put injury behind him
Last year’s Great Escape hero ended this campaign on the sidelines after injury ended his final day early at Brunton Park.
It was a reoccurrence of the foot injury that has plagued O’Brien all season and restricted his appearances.
The 25-year-old has overcome much bigger setbacks in his career in the past but he will hope to finally get the problem sorted this summer ready for pre-season training in June.
4. Exiles squad needs strengthening
It’s no secret that the manager wants to add to his squad as soon as possible this summer and this was a match that highlighted that need once again.
Flynn warned beforehand that the squad was hit by injuries and illness and that he did not consider the youth team players as ready to step up, even to fill the bench.
He named only five substitutes and had few options to change the match from the bench, something he will look to rectify over the coming weeks and months.
5. Touray gives fans a glimpse of the future
One big positive from the match was the long-awaited first-team debut of academy graduate Momodou Touray (above) as a late substitute.
The Wales under-19 striker has gained valuable experience at Merthyr Town and Leicester City this season and will aim to kick on again next season.
He still has much to learn but the youngster could play a bigger part in Flynn’s plans next season if he continues his current rate of progress.
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