NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn took the blame for defeat at Cheltenham Town, admitting he selected the wrong side at Whaddon Road.

First-half errors from centre-back Fraser Franks and goalkeeper Joe Day gifted the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Flynn replaced Charlie Cooper and Cameron Pring with Andrew Crofts and Mark O’Brien at half-time and his side improved.

They could have earned a point in a frantic final five minutes as Mickey Demetriou missed a penalty before Antoine Semenyo pulled a goal back in the 89th minute but Cheltenham held on for their first home win in League Two this season.

"It's my fault we lost the game today,” said Flynn. “I picked the wrong team first half.

"I didn't pick it because I wanted it; it's kind of what I had to, but I'm going to take the blame and I'll take it on the chin today.

"In the first half, they did the job on us. They were very professional."