NEWPORT County AFC’s League Two promotion bid faltered in the run-in but it has still been a campaign featuring plenty of highs.

An eventful season started with Michael Flynn spearheading the response to the controversial play-off final defeat at Morecambe and ends with James Rowberry at the helm.

County will fall short of last season’s tally of 73 points – a high since their return to the Football League – but could still eclipse their tally of 71 from 2019 that earned a top-seven finish.

The Exiles have scored the most goals in a season since they were in the Conference and did the double over Bristol Rovers and Port Vale and enjoyed memorable wins against Swindon, Tranmere and Hartlepool, plus Ipswich in the League Cup.

Its time to vote for your Argus player of the year with the poll running until midday on Friday. Below are the five candidates for the honour…

DOM TELFORD

Has struck 25 goals in 36 League Two games – a remarkable campaign by a man who was deemed surplus to requirements in August.

Scored against Plymouth in the EFL Trophy on deadline day and then forced his way back into the first team.

Was named in the League Two team of the year, was nominated for the division’s player of the year and will end with the golden boot.

CAMERON NORMAN

Has played in every league game with 44 starts and a solitary outing off the bench, when he got the call at half-time against Mansfield.

So much comes down the right flank when County are at their best, although his assists dried up after a superb start to the campaign.

Came up with the last-gasp winner at Leyton Orient and has the knack of getting under the skin of home fans when the Exiles are on the road. Fouled 2.4 times per game!

FINN AZAZ

A title winner with Cheltenham in 2021, the 21-year-old arrived fresh from sealing a move to Aston Villa from West Brom and gradually became a key figure.

Azaz has made 41 league appearances (33 starts), scored seven goals and notched six assists.

Sure to be playing at a higher level next season and wouldn’t look out of the place in good Championship teams.

Has the talent but also the right attitude – hopefully we will see him rise and rise.

SCOT BENNETT

County have plenty of midfield flair and they are allowed to strut their stuff thanks to the exploits of the 31-year-old Cornishman.

Bennett missed the start of the Rowberry era because of a foot injury but has been a mainstay of the XI after his recovery. Not just a grafter, he is composed on the ball and can also spot a pass.

Second for tackles per game to Ollie Cooper with 2.1 and also second for interceptions, although his tally of 2.1 comes from more games than Josh Pask’s 2.2.

MICKEY DEMETRIOU

Another strong campaign by the central defender, who captained the side when Matty Dolan wasn’t a starter.

Made 39 appearances and was typically commanding, leading the way for clearances with 4.4 per game. Sets the tone on and off the field.

County shifted to playing on the deck under Flynn and continued to develop that under Rowberry, and Demetriou has gone along with that.