Michael Flynn’s anniversary was spoiled by a Colchester United team who were simply too good for his Exiles on the day.
Newport-born Flynn took charge of his home-city team two years to the year since he was first appointed, but it was a disastrous day for County in Essex.
“We were outplayed,” said Flynn. “We started brightly, pretty even and then, for the remaining 70 minutes, they outplayed us.
“Colchester were well worthy of the three points. They were extremely good, while we looked way off it. I don’t know what it is, but they looked flat again.
🗣 | Read and watch everything Manager Michael Flynn said to the Press following today’s defeat on https://t.co/IPot5a9BeZ from tomorrow.
Straight on to @ntfc this Tuesday! ⚽️ #OurJourneyContinues pic.twitter.com/IMtGfdza2O
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) March 9, 2019
“I’m just trying to win as many games as we can before the end of the season.”
There have been so many unforgettable moments in league and cup since Flynn was appointed, but this display was at the other end of the scale.
Colchester United moved into the League Two play-off spots thanks to goals from Sammie Szmodics, his 11th league of the league season, after 20 minutes, Courtney Senior (45) and ex-Newport forward Frank Nouble just after the hour.
New signing Will Randall, a 21-year-old winger, was among the substitutes for Newport, who signed the former Swindon Town youth player as a free agent until the end of this season.
“Will is talented and has been training with us for several weeks,” said Flynn. “He has fitted in well with the lads and gives us more strength in depth.”
Newport now focus on Tuesday’s trip to Northampton Town, having slipped to seven points outside the play-offs.
Flynn made one change to his starting line-up.
Matty Dolan didn’t travel with the squad with Joss Labadie taking the midfield place.
Colchester United manager John McGreal made three changes to his side that dropped out of the play-offs last time out following a heavy away defeat at Swindon Town.
Luke Norris and Szmodics passed fitness tests and Tom Eastman also returned with Luke Prosser, Diaz Wright and Brennan Dickenson on the bench.
County gave away possession too often and far too easily and only some outstanding saves by goalkeeper Joy Day stopped Colchester recording an even bigger victory.
This was simply not the way to celebrate two years to the day since Mike Flynn first took charge at Newport County.
Newport County AFC (4-1-2-1-2): Day, Butler, Demetriou, O’Brien (capt), Poole, Bennett, Labadie (Bakinson 78), Willmott, Amond, Azeez (McKirdy 53), Matt (Randall 71). Subs not used: Townsend, Pipe, Marsh-Brown, Sheehan
Colchester United (4-2-3-1): Gilmartin, Jackson, Eastman, Kent, Vincent-Young, Mandron, Stevenson, Senior (Eisa 82), Szmodics (Chilvers 89), Nouble (Dickenson 68), Norris. Subs not used: Barnes, Prosser, Roberts, Wright, Chilvers
Referee: Lee Collins
Attendance: 3,213 (141 away)