Boss Michael Flynn mulls over Newport changes for Mansfield

The Exiles head to Field Mill in League Two hunting a victory that would lift them to fifth in the table, a point off the automatic promotion spots.

County ended a three-game losing streak on Monday when they beat Bolton Wanderers thanks to a goal by Nicky Maynard, who cannot play against his parent club this weekend.

They protected that lead despite playing with a makeshift back four with Dolan joined in central defence by Scot Bennett, who dropped back from midfield after Priestley Farquharson rolled an ankle.

Flynn had made a tactical change at half-time when he withdrew David Longe-King, who had been playing on the left side of a three in place of the suspended Demetriou.

The veteran returns from his one-game ban for a dismissal at Barrow and his boss would have no qualms about pairing him with fellow left-footer Dolan, insisting the duo are limited to playing in a back three.

"It's quite strange, if there were two right-footers playing centre-back then nobody would say anything," said Flynn.

"Just because most people are right-sided it looks weird with two lefties. If we think it's the right team to play, that's what we will be playing."

16.02.21 - Newport County v Exeter City, Sky Bet League 2 - Matty Dolan of Newport County wins the ball.

Dolan has been County's star of the season since moving from midfield to the heart of a defensive three.

Against a strong Bolton team, the 28-year-old showed that he can also play in a flat four.

"He played there last season against Brighton in the EFL Trophy and I knew that he could do it because he reads the game so well," said Flynn.

"There was less pressure on that game than where we are at now but he can play there.

"The only thing you worry about with 'Benno' and Matty there is getting exposed by pace but the way they read the game gives them a couple of extra yards."

Flynn has given little away in terms of team news, mindful that he gave snippets ahead of Barrow last week before training, when wing-back Ryan Haynes and Farquharson were then not deemed fit enough.

Farquharson returned against Bolton only to roll his ankle in the second half while Haynes hasn't featured since the win at Colchester on March 6.

"I thought that he was ready for Monday but he wasn't quite feeling right. It's a bit frustrating," said Flynn.

County will announce their team at 5pm with Flynn ignoring those who are baffled by recent absence of Luke Gambin.

"I think you read too much Twitter and social media because there is nobody scrutinising my team selection here," said Flynn.

"Obviously players are disappointed when they are not playing or not involved, that's normal.

"But don't get sucked into the trolls who have an opinion on everything and criticise the players who have been selected before a game."