NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn celebrated a smash and grab win at Cambridge United and revealed afterwards that loan star Shawn McCoulsky will remain at Rodney Parade.

Flynn admitted luck was on the Exiles’ side after Joss Labadie bundled in a 94th-minute winner at the Abbey Stadium.

The hosts dominated for much of the match and looked like claiming a deserved draw after Jevani Brown’s stunning strike 14 minutes from time had cancelled out McCoulsky’s first-half opener.

But Labadie, who scored both goals as County knocked the U’s out of the FA Cup on December 3, had the final say once again.

The skipper was in the right place at the right time as Cambridge goalkeeper David Forde hacked Matty Dolan’s free-kick into his knee and the ball cannoned into an empty net.

“I didn’t think we were at our best today, and fair play to Cambridge they made it difficult for us and played some really good football,” said Flynn.

“We weren’t at our best but what a nice feeling when you win it at the end, I’m delighted.

“I thought we were poor for the first half hour, but the last 15 of the first half we were a lot better. We started playing more football in their half and got the goal. “We’re not the finished article but we’re going in the right direction.

“And if we can pick up a win at a tough place like Cambridge without playing well then it’s a sign of a good team.”

Asked how Labadie’s winner went in, Flynn added: “I’m going to be totally honest with you, I couldn’t care if it’s come off his backside.

“I don’t know and I don’t care. I don’t care if it hit him in the nose, broke his nose and went in. I would have laughed actually at that.

“He was in the right place at the right time and we got a touch of luck.”

The win lifted the Exiles to ninth in the League Two table, just a point below the play-off places.

South Wales Argus:

Flynn also revealed after the match that Bristol City have agreed to extend the loan of McCoulsky (above) until the end of the season.

The news will be officially confirmed on Monday but Flynn is relieved to keep hold of the 20-year-old, who now has 10 goals this season.

“It will all be done and dusted on Monday,” he said.

“He’s one I wanted to get done and I can relax a little bit now.

“I’m delighted to have him and that’s one less player I have to worry about [in January].”