MANAGER Michael Flynn was keen to take the positives after Newport County AFC let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Mansfield Town in their League Two opener.

Joss Labadie gave County an early lead at Rodney Parade and Padraig Amond made it 2-0 from the penalty spot before half-time.

But, after an excellent first 45 minutes, the Exiles conceded twice in the first four minutes of the second half and only a Tom King penalty save prevented Mansfield from taking the lead just before the hour.

The Stags then had Jacob Mellis sent off for an alleged stamp on Labadie but Flynn’s men couldn’t force a winner.

South Wales Argus:

“I thought we were brilliant for 90 per cent of the match,” said the Exiles boss.

“It was a really good performance and we should have scored more goals.

“But we knew they’d be on us after half-time and we shot ourselves in the foot.

“We gave away two very poor goals and it’s really disappointing that we haven’t won the football match.

“But I’ve got to take the positives from it – we should have won that comfortably.

“You never take things for granted, but you couldn’t see them scoring unless it was a mistake from us,” he added.

“And what happened? Two mistakes from us.

“I’m not sure it was a penalty either and that would have been really unfortunate if we’d lost from that.

“It’s a long old season and there’s never a dull moment here.

“I’m just pleased with the way we played, taking out the mistakes.

“There are a lot of positives to take against one of the favourites to win the league.

“We’ve come a long way when we expect to be top of the league.”

Read more: Newport County 2 Mansfield Town 2 - match report