MANAGER Michael Flynn says his Newport County AFC side need to win an extra three or four games on the road this season if they are to be “serious” promotion contenders.
County won six out of 19 away games in League Two last season, picking up 23 points in 23 games away from Rodney Parade.
Along with their excellent home form, that was enough to seal seventh place in the table last season and their promotion hopes were only ended by Tranmere Rovers in the play-off final at Wembley in May.
Flynn’s men have already won at Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town this season, taking nine points from a possible 18 away from home.
Ahead of today’s trip to Colchester United, the Exiles boss has set his team an ambitious points-target for away games.
“I want to get more points away from home this season,” said Flynn.
“I think we had 23 last year and that’s got to be closer to 32 or 35 this season, if we’re serious.”
County have lost their last two matches at the JobServe Community Stadium and they haven’t even scored in Colchester since 1973.
“It’s going to be a tough place to go,” said Flynn. “On their day, I think Colchester are one of the best teams in the league.
“They’re a good team. They’ve had one or two poor results but they’re a dangerous team on their day.
“Hopefully they don’t have a good day, and we do.”
Flynn hopes that John McGreal’s players might have an eye on Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with fellow League Two side Crawley Town.
“They’ve had a good cup run and they’ve got a big game on Tuesday against Crawley when one of them can make the quarter-finals,” said the manager.
“I think that’s a fantastic achievement and hopefully we can catch them at the right time.
“But you can also look at it the other way – every one of those players who plays against us will want to keep their shirt for Tuesday so they’ll be trying their hardest.
“We know what it’s like with the cup runs. It gives everyone a boost and we’ve managed to keep that since our cup run last season.”
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