NEWPORT County AFC legend Michael Flynn admitted his Cheltenham Town side were lucky to take the spoils in the League Two opener at Whaddon Road.

The Exiles were denied at the death when Joel Colwill slammed in a shot to make it 3-2 to the Robins.

County fought back from falling 2-0 down after Cardiff City loanee Colwill and Liam Dulson put the hosts 2-0 up in the first half hour.

Courtney Baker-Richardson slotted from the penalty spot after Bobby Kamwa was fouled by right-back Lewis Payne, who spent last season on loan at Rodney Parade from Southampton, and then debutant Oliver Greaves got a leveller on the stroke of half-time.

CHALLENGE: Oliver Greaves of Newport County is tackled by ex-Exile Ryan Haynes of Cheltenham TownCHALLENGE: Oliver Greaves of Newport County is tackled by ex-Exile Ryan Haynes of Cheltenham Town (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

“Newport started better than us. We were a little bit sloppy when we had possession, the shape was good but they seemed to be on the front foot,” said head coach Flynn.

“We took complete control, scored the two goals and then a crazy five minutes allowed them into the game, gave them the impetus and they deservedly got back into it.

“The second half was quite even but they probably just edged it on the chances, apart from when it was harder for Ryan Bowman to miss.

“It was a let-off when James Clarke was free in the box and if he puts that away then it's game done.

“It's a good three points and it showed the character and fitness of the players to get the winner right at the end.

“It was a very good test against a Newport team that play some good football. We take the three points but I’m not going to say they were fully deserved because Newport will feel hard done by that they didn’t get the draw.”

SUPERB: Scot Bennett was a strong Cheltenham performer against his old County teammatesSUPERB: Scot Bennett was a strong Cheltenham performer against his old County teammates (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Flynn continues his record of never being beaten by County since leaving in 2021, with spells at League Two rivals Walsall and Swindon.

“I hated today,” said the boss for the Great Escape in 2017. “I’ve never liked playing against Newport, it’s only the last couple of years that it’s happened. I just done like it.

“They are a fantastic club with passionate fans, who were excellent. I don’t enjoy it and there are no winners for me – I’ve got kids who support them, although obviously today they were supporting Cheltenham.

“It’s tough for them, they are only young, and sometimes you have to explain that you’ve got to stick with Daddy!”

It was also an emotional day for County legend Scot Bennett, who captained Cheltenham after making the short move to Gloucestershire this summer.

Bennett, who felt he couldn’t accept a low offer from Exiles owner Huw Jenkins, slotted in at the heart of the Robins defence and was named as man of the match by the hosts.

“He was the best player on the park,” said Flynn. “He was outstanding – leadership, performance, doing the right thing at the right time. I am very, very pleased to have him.”