Michael Flynn: Newport can pip Cambridge in promotion race

The Exiles welcome the second-placed U's to Rodney Parade (kick-off 12.30pm) in another vital clash in the League Two promotion race.

County moved up to sixth with a hard-earned point against rivals Carlisle on Tuesday evening, maintaining their three-point lead over the Cumbrians.

Flynn's men could be overtaken by Forest Green, Exeter and Carlisle if they slip up this afternoon but the manager isn't looking down.

Instead he is chasing a perfect end to the season with six fixtures left to sneak into the automatic promotion spots – with today's visitors currently nine points ahead after playing a game more.

Liam Shephard in action for Newport County AFC at Cambridge United

"We need to win so that we can think about catching Cambridge for third," he said. "I am not just thinking about the play-offs and if any of the players are then they will be fully reminded.

"Nerves come into it for teams, there is loss of form, injuries, tough places to go, teams at the other end of the table fighting for their lives. There are no givens in this league and it's been a strange year.

"Southend were down and out but beat us and Forest Green, Barrow went on a run and won a load of games. We beat Bolton when they were supposedly unbeatable.

"Anybody beats anybody on the day, and we've got to make sure we have six days."

A draw against Carlisle was a solid return and the same could be said for today's clash with Cambridge.

County have another key week on the horizon with a home fixture against Crawley on Tuesday followed by a trip to Exeter, but Flynn won't settle for a draw if it's tight in the closing stages.

13.04.21 - Newport County v Carlisle United - SkyBet League Two - Josh Sheehan of Newport County.

"I will always try and win a game. I am not someone to shut up shop," he said.

"Against Carlisle I felt that we were in the ascendancy and finishing the stronger, I thought that if we could get one more chance we could nick it at the death but it wasn't to be.

"The only thing that I will try to hold onto is a win, I will never try to hold onto a draw. Those extra two points could be valuable."

County need a flying finish if they are catch the top three and it looks like successive draws against Mansfield and Carlisle have left them with too much to do.

However, Flynn is quick to stress how well his side have done to be in this position despite slipping from setting the pace in January.

"If we had been mid-table and were finishing in the play-offs then it would be an unbelievable season but because we were top expectation went up, we drop down the table a bit and it's a disappointment to some people.

"I can see that logic but the goal [at the start of the season] was to stay in the league and we've done that. Now we can kick on – if we get into the play-offs it's an unbelievable achievement, if we get third then it's almost like a lottery win."