DON’T change a winning team. A mantra that led to one of Newport County AFC’s players of the season sitting on the bench.

Matty Dolan was pivotal in the Exiles being in the play-off hunt yet the midfielder-turned-defender watched on in the run-in.

The 28-year-old suffered a concussion in the vital draw against rivals Carlisle and found himself on the bench on his return.

Dolan’s calm, playmaking qualities led to him being a key figure but the form of the team in his absence gave manager Michael Flynn a dilemma.

The boss has the same again ahead of tomorrow’s play-off second leg against Forest Green Rovers, don't be surprised if the result is the same with a talisman kept in reserve.

Captain Joss Labadie suffered a serious cut to his left knee in the draw at Southend that secured a top-seven finish.

01.12.20 - Forest Green Rovers v Newport County - Sky Bet League 2 - Joss Labadie of Newport County holds off Jamille Matt of Forest Green.

01.12.20 - Forest Green Rovers v Newport County - Sky Bet League 2 - Joss Labadie of Newport County holds off Jamille Matt of Forest Green.

Assistant coach Wayne Hatswell said that the midfielder was fit ahead of the first leg yet he was not in the 18-man squad when it was revealed at 7.15pm on Tuesday.

Dolan was the beneficiary in his former role as a midfielder and the change worked out for the best; he slammed in an incredible opener in the 2-0 success.

Post-game, Flynn revealed that Labadie would be fit for the New Lawn. Only those in the County camp know whether that is a red herring for the Rovers.

But taking the manager at face value - and Labadie is up for press duties this morning - a fully-fit skipper presents quite the quandary for Gloucestershire and, fingers crossed, Wembley.

County are undoubtedly a stronger team with Labadie in it; the 30-year-old can break up play and press with energy, with the lack of crowds revealing his habit of exhaling loudly when approaching the player in possession to add a sense of urgency.

The captain came up with some big moments in the second half of the season, scoring the goal at Walsall that earned a vital win on the road, striking at Mansfield after stealing possession for what should have been a winner and then firing home the only goal of the game against Cheltenham.

01.05.21 - Newport County v Cheltenham Town - SkyBet League 2 -.Joss Labadie of Newport County scores goal..

01.05.21 - Newport County v Cheltenham Town - SkyBet League 2 -.Joss Labadie of Newport County scores goal..

In a big game he would add value to the midfield with his knack of buying free-kicks and riling the opposition, taking them away from the task at hand.

Put down your best County XI and Labadie would be in it, but if the midfield ain’t broke…

Just as Dolan couldn’t grumble about watching Liam Shephard, Scot Bennett and Mickey Demetriou join forces in defence, the captain wouldn’t be in a position to moan should it be same again.

Josh Sheehan is certain to start and dictate play from deep while Anthony Hartigan is surely a shoo-in after being excellent in the run-in.

The AFC Wimbledon loanee struggled initially through a combination of the Rodney Parade pitch and the team’s poor form.

However, the 21-year-old was recalled against Crawley in April and has been in since, impressing with his energy, pressing and comfort on the ball.

Of the midfield trio it is Dolan that is most vulnerable – does Flynn opt for the left-footer’s calmness, set-piece prowess and ability to break up play or the energy and drive of Labadie, who is hardly a clogger on the ball himself?

Newport County boss Michael Flynn

Newport County boss Michael Flynn

The quality of the contenders shows why County are in the promotion mix and if the captain is named in the 18-man squad then another good player will miss out (Joe Ledley or Luke Gambin?).

It would also strengthen a bench that hopefully won't be needed in a crisis but offers Flynn options, with fit-again Priestley Farquharson doing a fine job when Jamille Matt was introduced on Tuesday.

Don't change a winning team but the starters are being kept on their toes.

Fingers crossed there will be a Wembley final to keep the debate rumbling.