Michael Flynn hails Newport goalkeeper Joe Day after Yeovil win

Posted Sunday, March 11, 2018 by PA

Michael Flynn highlighted several of his Newport players for special praise as they ended a seven-game winless run in Sky Bet League Two by beating Yeovil 2-0.

Josh Sheehan, on his first start since joining permanently from Swansea in January, and Paul Hayes scored the goals in the second half, while Joe Day pulled off a string of fine saves including a particularly brilliant effort to deny Francois Zoko.

“He’s made a crucial save at a crucial time of the game. It was an outstanding save down to his right side,” Flynn said.

“I can pick a few out but I thought Ben White was exceptional. Paul Hayes I wish was a few years younger because I’d be giving him a long-term deal. He was outstanding. He’s my kind of professional footballer – he does all the horrible stuff, he’s got a good football brain.

“Obviously it’s nice to see Josh Sheehan come back into the team and get a goal. He started a bit slowly and faded towards the end but in the middle part he looked dangerous when he got on the ball.

“I thought Mickey [Demetriou] was solid as a rock all afternoon and when he’s like that he’s one of the best defenders in the league.

“I’m very thrilled. It’s nice to get a win, it’s been a long time coming.

“There’s a lot to look forward to. I’m not getting carried away by one win. We’ve closed the gap (on the playoffs) and that’s all we’ve done.”

Darren Way, meanwhile, could sympathise with the home fans at Huish Park who could be heard booing the Glovers on several occasions as they lost their third successive league match.

“I can understand supporters getting frustrated,” said Way. “There was one or two misplaced passes. Unfortunately young players make mistakes.

“We had large amounts of possession but I didn’t think we were clinical enough with the chances we had, particularly in the first half.

“We were disappointed with the (Sheehan) goal. A midfielder didn’t stay with the runner. We didn’t force the ball wide, they came inside and it was a good finish.

“We need to show a little bit more discipline and a little bit more energy to keep that ball out of the back of the net.

“They’ve got a lot of experienced players and they seem to manage the game really well.

“Did we really deserve to lose 2-0? I don’t think I could have done any more to get that goal.

“The goalkeeper pulled off a fantastic save. I look at it and think, ‘how did he get down there?’ Those are the moments and the fine line between winning and losing.”