NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn saw his side move back up to third in League Two with a 2-0 win over promotion rivals Colchester United and insisted it was “business as usual" after reports linking him with the Shrewsbury Town job.

Second-half goals from Jamille Matt and substitute Cameron Pring sealed the win as County leapfrogged their visitors after a tight first 45 minutes at Rodney Parade.

“It was a massive win,” said Flynn.

“I thought they were by far the better team in the first half. I’m never afraid to say when a team are better than us.

“They moved us around but we kept our shape really well and the boys showed a desire to defend.

“With all the possession they had, they didn’t really have an attempt on target in the first half but they had some slick passing moves and they caused us problems.”

The first goal arrived on 54 minutes as Padraig Amond flicked on a Matty Dolan corner for Matt to tap in his 11th of the season.

And Pring, who had replaced hamstring victim Robbie Willmott in the first half, fired in the second on 67 minutes after a fine ball from Tyreeq Bakinson.

“I thought Padraig Amond put in one of the best League Two performances I’ve ever seen,” said Flynn.

“He was by far the best player on the park. His discipline, his positional sense, his work ethic and his general understanding of the football match was absolutely first class.

“I’m pleased that he’s got an assist and Jamille’s got number 11.

“That’s three clean sheets in a row. I think we’re doing really well and we’ve moved up to third in the table.”

After reports that Shrewsbury are considering an approach, Flynn was asked if the Shrews would have been watching a fine win for the Exiles.

“There’s going to be a few watching,” he joked.

Asked again if there was any interest, he added: “Not that I’ve heard. Nothing’s gone officially to the club and I’m sure if there had been the club would have told me.

“I’m just carrying on and doing my job. If an approach goes in then it’s up to the club to deal with that.

“But I genuinely haven’t heard anything so it’s business as usual for me.”