Newport County boss critical of defending in 8-1 friendly win

Two goals for Padraig Amond and one apiece for Joss Labadie, Kyle Howkins, Corey Whitely, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Josh Sheehan and Momodou Touray earned the Exiles a comprehensive win over their Southern League opponents.

But Flynn was more concerned with the goal his side conceded in the closing stages at the Optima Stadium.

“It was OK, I’m disappointed with the goal we gave away but there were some really good parts of the game and the pleasing thing was that there were no injuries,” said the manager.

“Some of the goals we scored were really good but I still think we were a little bit open at the back at times.

“I told them that in the first half and after the game as well. The goal we conceded was terrible.

“You can only beat what’s in front of you. I expect a professional performance and that’s what we got.

“Some of the football was exceptional and there was a lot of pleasing things, but I’m definitely not getting carried away.”

Flynn felt Marsh-Brown should have done more to help prevent the Seagulls from scoring their consolation.

“He got a good goal but he lost his runner for their goal and they are the things he needs to learn,” he said.

“We all know he’s got ability but you can’t just switch off and let runners go because in the league we’ll end up losing that game.”

The Exiles have two more friendlies tomorrow with a behind-closed-doors game in the morning followed by a match against Chelsea under-23s at Spytty Park at 7pm, which will raise money for the recently retired Fraser Franks.

“It will be a good occasion for the fans to come over in the school holidays and there are activities beforehand as well so hopefully we’ll get a bit of a crowd there,” said Flynn.

“It’s a good gesture from the club and I’m sure it will mean a lot to Fraser and his family.

“We’ve got a game in the morning so we might have to juggle things a little bit.

“There’s a few who need more game-time like Keanu and Benno [Scot Bennett], Mo [Touray] and OB [Mark O’Brien] and there might be one or two who are on the treatment table who can play and there might be a few more trialists as well.”

County will also have a final friendly on Saturday, with details yet to be confirmed, and Flynn is hoping to go into the new season with a fully fit squad – apart from striker Ade Azeez, who is out for six months with a torn Achilles tendon.

“It’s good to have Benno back,” he said.

“He’s not been able to do much over the summer so he’s probably a week or two behind. He’s been running with us but the timing of his [shoulder] operation meant he was inactive for about three weeks.

“Ryan Haynes has got a bit of a knock but hopefully he’ll be alright for Wednesday, if not then Saturday.

“We’ve got another friendly but we’re just trying to work out if it’s going to be home or away.

“Nick Townsend is very close as well,” added Flynn. “He’s training. It’s a little bit too early to play him, but he won’t be too far off for the beginning of the season.”