Football Season Review

It was a heartbreaking end to the season for Newport County after conceding in the last minute of extra time to lose out to Tranmere Rovers in the play-off final at Wembley. It was otherwise another fantastic season for the Exiles under the guidance of manager Michael Flynn. He built a strong squad, possessing both pace and power, combined with ability and heart and they were desperately unlucky to miss out on promotion. They were in the play-off shake up leading into Christmas but were distracted by another exciting F.A. Cup run which saw them beat Premier League Leicester City before eventually being knocked out by Champions Manchester City at Rodney Parade. It left them well off the play-off pace but went on a great run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last ten league matches to snatch the last place from Colchester United and Exeter City on the final day of the season. Flynn’s team was built upon a strong spine, starting with goalkeeper Joe Day, who was named in the League 2 team of the year. Wing back Dan Butler and centre-back Mickey Demetriou each missed just a single game whilst Jamille Matt and Padraig Amond formed a formidable strike-partnership; bagging 43 goals between them. The disappointment of losing out at Wembley might not be the last for the Exiles, who face a battle to hold on to Flynn, who is attracting interest from clubs in higher divisions.

Player of the Season: Padraig Amond