NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn believes his side can use their thrilling Carabao Cup win at Gillingham to propel them to victory over table-topping Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

County dumped their League One opponents out of the cup on Tuesday night, winning 4-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Priestfield.

Striker Tristan Abrahams scored his first goal for the club and then hit the winning penalty, while goalkeeper Nick Townsend saved one penalty in normal time and two in the shootout.

Flynn is hoping the result and the performance will ensure a bumper crowd for the League Two clash with the Pilgrims on Saturday.

And he’s confident that the momentum gained against the Gills will help his side to earn a first league win after draws with Mansfield Town and Cambridge United so far.

“Plymouth have already sold close to 1,100 tickets and we’re looking forward to it,” said the Exiles boss.

“We should be on two wins already but we’re not, we’re on two points.

“But if we go and win on Saturday, we’re a point behind Plymouth and they’ve had a fantastic start.”

Flynn made nine changes to his side on Tuesday night and he says many players have put themselves in contention for a start against the Pilgrims.

“There’s quite a few who have put their hands up,” he said.

“Tristan was excellent. Even in the first half I thought he was one of the ones who came out with credit. I’m pleased for him.

“Nick was superb and if it wasn’t for him, we would have been 3-0 down in the first half.

“He was outstanding and he deserves a big pat on the back because he’s had a bit of a tough time [with injuries].

“Corey [Whitely] in the second half looked like a League One player.

“George Nurse was brilliant, Taylor [Maloney] was much better and Leads [Dan Leadbitter] looked back into it.

“It was a good performance in the second half and I’m glad we shook off a rusty first 45 minutes.”

Flynn had told the fans to stay at home before the match and even suggested that he may watch Plymouth v Leyton Orient instead of taking charge.

But he was glad that he made the journey, as were the travelling fans.

“There are a few reasons why I thought I had to come but mainly you’ve got to show the boys who have come in that you’re here to watch them and they can impress you,” he explained.

“It was a genuine reason why I was going to go to Plymouth – it’s not very often you can get to see two League Two teams, one of which you’re playing in the next game – but they might have made a few changes as well and I had to be fair to our players, our excellent fans who made the journey and to the competition.

“Now we’ve got West Ham at home – let’s get it on TV!”