NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn believes the League Two play-off semi-final against Mansfield Town is still too close to call after last night’s 1-1 draw in the first leg at Rodney Parade.

Padraig Amond cancelled out CJ Hamilton’s first-half opener for Mansfield to leave it all square going into Sunday’s second leg at Field Mill.

“It was a slow start from us,” admitted Flynn.

“For 25 minutes in the first half they were the better side, but in the second half we came back into it and I thought only one team was going to score.

“We had five or six good opportunities and having a full house here with the crowd helped us, we are 11 games unbeaten now and that is a good thing.

"I don't think they have an advantage now, because all the pressure is on them.”

South Wales Argus:

Stags boss David Flitcroft was angered by the late penalty that led to Amond’s equaliser and he also felt County skipper Mark O’Brien should have seen red for hauling down Tyler Walker in the fifth minute.

But Flynn felt referee Charles Breakspear got that decision right. "The referee got the incident with Mark O'Brien bang on,” said the Exiles boss.

“The ball went through to the goalkeeper, our lads said it wasn't even a foul. Mansfield go down easily; they manage the game well.

“But we both played really well at times. It was two good sides giving it everything they have.”

Read more: Newport County 1 Mansfield Town 1 - match report from Rodney Parade