NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn admitted Swindon Town were the better team at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night and praised a determined defensive display from his side to earn a point.

After an enterprising start, County’s momentum was disrupted by injuries to Jamille Matt and Joss Labadie and Swindon took charge of the contest.

Centre-back Mickey Demetriou cleared off the line and goalkeeper Joe Day made several superb stops to earn his 16th clean sheet of the season in 43 appearances in all competitions.

The 0-0 draw, which followed a similar stalemate against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, means the Exiles have now conceded just one goal in their last nine home games in League Two.

And Exeter City’s defeat at Macclesfield Town means Flynn’s men are now just five points behind the seventh-placed Grecians with a game in hand.

“In the first half we were playing well and were on top of the game and then two of our influential players had to go off due to injury,” said the manager.

“In the first half hour of the second half I thought Swindon were outstanding. They were the better team.

“So I think, the way the game went, it was a point gained. Especially with Exeter losing.

“I’m still hopeful. We’ve got six games to go and there’s a five-point gap with a game in hand. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Asked about a lack of goal-threat from his side over the past two games, Flynn said: “I’m not concerned about us not scoring, but I’m buzzing that we’ve conceded only one goal in our last nine home games. That is a fantastic stat.

“I don’t care that we haven’t scored for two games. It’s very frustrating the way that things have gone, but it is what it is and at least we created chances in the first half.

“Two unfortunate silly injuries cost us because it upset our rhythm,” he added.

“Joss has got a big gash on his ankle and Jamille had a dead leg, so they should be alright for Saturday.”

South Wales Argus: INJURY: County midfielder Joss Labadie was stretchered off against SwindonINJURY: County midfielder Joss Labadie was stretchered off against Swindon

Flynn preferred to focus on the defensive showing against the Robins.

“They ran their socks off,” he said. “Swindon were very quick on the counter-attack and it was a good defensive performance from us.

“For the first half hour of the second half they were the better team. It only looked like one team was going to win it.

“How Joe Day didn’t win man of the match I don’t know, because he made three quality saves.

“The frustrating thing is, if we’d got the win, it would have been huge for us.

“But, as it stands, we probably still need the same amount of wins because of our goal difference.

“We don’t like doing things the easy way.”

And Flynn is not expecting an easy afternoon at lowly Cambridge United at the weekend.

“It’ll be a very difficult task,” said the Exiles boss. “They’re down near the bottom and they need a win to stay safe.

“It’s going to be a tough game. I’m just hoping that we go there with a fully fit squad.

“I know that Scot Bennett will be back as well, so that’s an extra one for us.

“They’ve all got a part to play,” he added. “There are players who didn’t get on who are going to be disappointed, but they’ll get their chance before the end of the season.

“There are players who got on who should have done better, but that’s why it’s a squad game.”

Former Cambridge striker Ade Azeez took to Twitter after the match to say sorry to the supporters for his display after he replaced Matt in the first half.

“Want to apologise to the fans,” he wrote. “Was nowhere good enough when I came on. Was one of those nights when nothing comes off. We go again.”

Read more: The talking points from last night's draw

Read more: Match report from Rodney Parade