NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn says last week’s win over promotion rivals Colchester United was psychologically important for his players, boosting belief that they can challenge at the top end of League Two.

Goals from Jamille Matt and Cameron Pring at Rodney Parade ended a run of four games without a win in the league and saw County climb back up to third in the table.

But Flynn believes his players took more than just three points from the game.

The Exiles boss is convinced that the result and the manner of the win against high-flying opponents has bolstered the confidence within the squad.

“The win over Colchester was important because it was against one of the big teams in the league,” said Flynn.

“We’ve got MK Dons, Lincoln and Swindon coming up in December – the so-called bigger clubs – so it was important to get a big win over a good Colchester team because it gives the players more belief.

“You’ve got to have belief and I hope they do believe because they’re good players, and that’s why I wanted them here.

“If my players turn up, play to the best of their ability and don’t make any silly mistakes then they can beat anybody in the league.

“That’s not me being arrogant, that’s just knowing what I’ve got.”

The challenge for Flynn and his players is to produce their best on a regular basis.

“We’ve just got to be consistent,” said the manager.

“You need to keep putting runs together – you need those four, five, six-game runs where you win three, draw one and if you do lose then go and do the same again.

“You need that bit of luck with injuries and suspensions but we’ve got to keep focused now,” he added.

“The impressive thing is that we did it with seven out last week.

“I’m trying not to use it as an excuse but it does disrupt what we’re trying to do and it’s a credit to the boys who have come in and stayed fit that they are able to get results like we did last weekend.

“We’re starting to get people back fit now and it’s going to be an interesting couple of months.”

Flynn will definitely not let any of his players underestimate Saturday’s opponents Cheltenham Town.

The Robins are 22nd in the table and have not won at home in the league all season but they are now six unbeaten and have kept four successive clean sheets and he’s expecting a battle at Whaddon Road.

“It has a bit of a derby feel,” said Flynn. “It’s a smaller pitch away from home and it’s against a team who are scrapping at the bottom so it’s going to be tough.

“We need to back up last week’s performance with another win.

“The minute I even sense anybody getting carried away they’ll be brought straight back down to earth.

“Last week has gone now and we need to back it up on Saturday.”