NEWPORT County AFC missed a host of chances before substitute Chuk Aneke earned all three points for MK Dons with a late strike at Rodney Parade. Here are the talking points... 

Woodwork was the star of the show

It may have ended 1-0 to the visitors, but County were 4-1 winners in terms of shots against the woodwork.

David Wheeler clipped the outside of the post for MK Dons before Mickey Demetriou headed against the bar at the other end.

Tyreeq Bakinson, Fraser Franks and Ben Kennedy then all rattled the frame of the goal after the break and County can count themselves very unlucky not to find the net at least once.

South Wales Argus:

Exiles punished for profligacy

Franks and Matt (above) were also guilty of wasting other decent opportunities, while Dons goalkeeper Stuart Moore saved well from Bakinson, Amond and Matt.

But Paul Tisdale’s team were always a threat on the break and they posed more of a threat in the closing stages with Conor McGrandles twice going close.

And the sucker punch arrived two minutes from time when the otherwise impressive Bakinson lost possession in attack and the visitors broke quickly. Joe Day saved well from Jake Hesketh but fellow sub Aneke was in the right place to stab home from close range.

Azeez has to wait for his debut

Exiles strikers Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt have put in a lot of legwork this season, and especially over the last few weeks, and both looked a little weary by the end of the match but there were few options on the bench to allow them a rest.

Flynn revealed afterwards that new signing Ade Azeez had picked up a hamstring strain in the warm-up, meaning he was unable to play.

The former Cambridge United forward has yet to feature for County since his deadline day move to Rodney Parade and he is cup-tied for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City.

Flynn knows his team to face City

Mark O’Brien and Joss Labadie both sat out last night’s match with Fraser Franks returning from his ankle injury to take O’Brien’s place, and the captain’s armband, and Ben Kennedy replacing Labadie in midfield.

But both O’Brien and Labadie should be fit to face City and the manager seems set on his starting XI for the FA Cup fifth-round showdown with Pep Guardiola’s superstars.

“There are no tough decisions,” said Flynn after the match when asked about the team for Saturday. “I know near enough what I’m doing.”

Tell us who you think should start against the Premier League champions...