LEE Martin's first-half strike condemned Newport County AFC to a 1-0 defeat at Exeter City. Here are the talking points...

Boxing Day blues continue

Christmas rarely seems to be merry for the Exiles, who have now lost on Boxing Day for the fifth year in a row with Exeter joining Forest Green Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth and Barnet in receiving a late present from County.

Not since 2014, when Plymouth Argyle visited Rodney Parade, have County won on December 26.

Michael Flynn’s men will hope for an end to their current eight-game winless streak in League Two when they host Leyton Orient on Sunday.

Better, but not good enough

Flynn was highly critical of his players after their second-half collapse at Morecambe last Saturday, labelling their performance “a disgrace” as the Shrimps fought back to win 2-1.

A lack of fight from the Exiles at the Globe Arena was a real concern, but the manager at least saw signs that his side were up for the fight at St James Park.

There are still major problems, however, as County simply don’t look like scoring at the moment with very few chances created once again and one goal is more often than not enough to beat them right now.

Fans’ frustrations growing

More than 500 supporters made the post-Christmas trip to Exeter, eager to see their side end their wretched recent run in the league.

Sadly, they went home disappointed again after another below-par performance in dreadful conditions at St James Park.

Flynn would also point to a lengthy injury list as mitigation but he knows football is a results business and he will have heard the small ripple of boos from the away end after the final whistle.

The Exiles boss also had a discussion with a disgruntled fan as he left the pitch and he admits that the amber army have every right to signal their discontent after a slump that has gone on for far too long.

South Wales Argus:

Classy Collins impresses again

The one positive for County was the late cameo from teenager Lewis Collins, who was a shining light on a dreary afternoon in Devon.

The Exiles academy graduate tracked back to halt a Grecians breakaway, before registering a rare shot on target for the visitors and then crossing for Jamille Matt to head wide in stoppage time.

Flynn waited until the 78th minute to introduce Collins due to the 18-year-old suffering from tight quad muscles during the half-time warm-up but, if he’s fit enough, the winger surely has to start on Sunday?