Flynn hails Newport players for securing ‘huge’ FA Cup clash with Leicester

Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2018 by PA

Mike Flynn hailed his Newport team after they set up a lucrative FA Cup third-round tie with Leicester.

The Exiles will host the Premier League outfit at Rodney Parade on January 6 after brushing off 10-man Welsh rivals Wrexham 4-0.

Padraig Amond opened the scoring, who in turn created Jamille Matt for the second, an own goal from Mark Carrington and a stunning Dan Butler strike gave the home side victory.

Luke Young saw red for Wrexham in the first half for a horror tackle on Newport captain Mickey Demetriou and it allowed the hosts to dominate.

Their third-round clash with the Foxes will earn County a minimum of £200,000 and Flynn said: “It will be huge to face Leicester. It will be massive for the club because the most important thing is the finances.

“The game will be on TV and will help bring in younger fans. The players deserve the chance to play a team like Leicester as they have done a good job.

“It’s all working out OK at the moment and I think I have delivered a lot for this football club.”

Newport knocked out Leeds and forced Tottenham Hotspur to a replay in the FA Cup last season with Amond scoring in a 1-1 home draw with Spurs and County will now get the chance to take on top-flight opposition again.

“The Leicester game is in January,” Flynn added. “Next we have MK Dons at home and they are top of the league.

“I’m not sure if it was a red card, I haven’t seen it back. I’m not going to say it was a disgusting challenge, but I think Wrexham are a good team and it’s always nice to beat a Welsh rival.”

Newport dominated after Young’s card, but only a fine save from Joe Day stopped Paul Rutherford from putting Wrexham into a shock lead.

After wasting a series of chances and failing to produce in the final third before the break, Newport finally broke through when Amond converted from Butler’s corner early in the second half.

The Irish striker then set up Matt and saw his drive put into his own net by Carrington.

Butler’s powerful strike in added time was the coup de grace as the left-back fired home from 35 yards.

Interim Wrexham manager Graham Barrow said: “The red card and the first goal change the game. Other than that, we were bang in the game. I’ve complaints about the red card.

“When I see Young in the changing room now, I know who has come off worse. I thought the referee was quick with the card, but you have to deal with that.

“We looked comfortable when it was 11 against 11.”