NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn believes his side would have won promotion to League One if VAR had been in operation at Wembley this afternoon.

Flynn was convinced that Jamille Matt was fouled in the box five minutes from the end of normal time before Mark O’Brien was sent off in the 89th minute and Tranmere Rovers went on to win in extra-time.

Connor Jennings headed home the winner in the 119th minute to break the Exiles’ resistance and seal back-to-back promotions for Tranmere.

“Obviously the result is frustrating,” said Flynn.

“There wasn't much in the game at all, it was a good game but I thought both teams were poor in the final third.

"James Norwood had a chance, Jamille Matt had a chance… but first off I want to congratulate Tranmere, before I go on and say what I need to say.

"Tranmere have had a great season.

"But we are at the home of football, Wembley, we have the equipment, we have full time referees and today a big decision has absolutely killed us.

"It was a stonewall penalty and I cannot believe it wasn't given. That is my frustration.

"It was a 100 per cent penalty for the foul on Jamille Matt and I have seen it back, the TV were saying it was a penalty as well.

"The referee said there was a touch, but it wasn't enough.

"But it was a very poor decision and I would rather they hold their hands up and say 'I got it wrong.'

South Wales Argus:

"It is a play-off final with these technology improvements… you can't get it wrong in the play-off final, it is not a Mickey Mouse game.

"And we are at Wembley,” he added. “I hope for the next couple of play-off games they bring VAR in, you wouldn't want that to cost someone a promotion.

"I am not just here to blast the referee, I don't do that. I am being as honest as I can be with you.

"We have the facilities at Wembley, they want to play the game here, what is the point in having it here if they don't use the facilities we have? It is state of the art at this stadium and yet they didn't use the technology, I don't understand it.”

Flynn praised the efforts of his players over 62 games and admitted that some may move on this summer.

"My team gave absolutely everything they had, they were fantastic, I can't ask for anymore,” he said.

"I will lose players, it is inevitable, I am not happy about it, they are some of our best players, but that's reality.”

Read more: Newport County 0 Tranmere Rovers 1 - match report from Wembley