NEWPORT County AFC finished the season strongly to earn a spot in the League Two play-offs.
It has been a campaign to remember for Michael Flynn’s side with 56 games so far in all competitions.
They finished fifth in the table and in the knockout competitions claimed the scalps of Swansea and Watford and took Premier League pair Newcastle and Brighton to penalties.
County have two more games against Forest Green Rovers, tomorrow and on Sunday, with the aim of finishing off at Wembley against either Tranmere or Morecambe on Monday, May 31.
It will be a tense finish to the campaign for the Exiles.
Here are five games that show the standards they must hit if they are to hit to turn a fantastic campaign into a promotion-winning one…
September 15: County 1 Cambridge 0
The season was just three games old when the U's headed to Rodney Parade in the Carabao Cup.
The Exiles had beaten Swansea, lost to Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy and drawn at Scunthorpe but this was a display that really gave a glimpse of what was to come.
County battered Cambridge 1-0 - they had 71 per cent of possession and put in 29 shots.
In the end it took a Scott Twine goal 10 minutes from time to eventually get a reward for the pressure.
The loanee smashed home from the edge of the box and it was no less than the hosts deserved after a marvellous performance.
“We were excellent from start to finish,” said Flynn. “The only disappointing thing was the amount of chances that we missed.”
October 24: Bradford 0 County 3
The Exiles went to the top of the table after a superb display at Valley Parade.
They enjoyed a dream start when Mickey Demetriou slammed home a left-footed effort from the edge of the box after 41 seconds and went into the break 2-0 up courtesy of Padraig Amond's calm finish shortly after he had come off the bench.
Chances were wasted until Matty Dolan slotted a penalty at the death to seal a brilliant win at a famous ground.
County played with control and creativity in the Yorkshire rain to leave Flynn a happy man: “It’s a big, big win. I know that they are a good team, so it makes the win even better.”
February 24: Walsall 0 County 1
The Saddlers are not a great team but this was a huge away win.
The Exiles headed to the West Midlands on the back of a loss to struggling Southend, a late draw with nine-man Exeter and defeat to rivals Forest Green.
The sight of grass at the Bescot was a welcome one after the mud of Rodney Parade and County produced a dramatically improved performance.
Captain Joss Labadie got the winner from close range after leading by example with a superb midfield display.
Once again chances were blown in front of goal but a clean sheet and three points boosted County's morale.
“Some of the football that we played was superb and it’s nice to play on the green stuff,” said Flynn.
April 5: County 1 Bolton 0
Yes, they rode their luck. Yes, they were helped by some awful finishing, but this was a spirited display against a terrific side in form.
Unlike other great wins this was a case of County digging deep when under the pump and then problem-solving.
Wanderers missed a glut of first-half chances - the worst being Kieran Lee from close range - but the Exiles made it to half-time and Flynn tinkered with the team.
On came Lewis Collins and they kept the Trotters at arms length in the second half to hold onto a lead earned by a marvellous finish by Nicky Maynard from a tight angle.
Bolton came incredibly close to making it 15 matches unbeaten at the death but Nick Townsend produced a brilliant save from Alex Baptiste and then bodies were literally put on the line.
“It was a rugged performance, we stuck up for each other. When somebody made a mistake, a teammate got them out of it,” said Flynn.
May 1: County 1 Cheltenham 0
A huge win at a vital moment, one that went a long way to ensuring it wasn't their last outing at Rodney Parade.
County kept their play-off destiny in their own hands by beating a Robins side who had been promoted in midweek but were looking to seal the title.
The Exiles got an early goal when captain Joss Labadie smashed in a shot from outside the box after being found by Anthony Hartigan’s crisp pass.
They bossed the first half with Padraig Amond and Lewis Collins full of energy. They could have been further ahead but Cheltenham improved after the break and piled on the pressure.
County defended superbly – Mickey Demetriou was immense – and managed to avoid any real scares.
It was the sort of strong, disciplined performance that must be repeated if they are to make it to League One.
“It was a fantastic win against a very organised and good team,” said Flynn. “Cheltenham didn't stop because they wanted to clinch the title but it was an excellent performance for us.”
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