NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn admitted his side didn’t deserve to beat Carlisle United at Rodney Parade, but he was delighted to claim all three points thanks to an injury-time winner from substitute George Nurse.

The Bristol City loanee replaced Matty Dolan three minutes from the end of normal time and he hit a stunning 30-yard winner in the sixth minute of time added on.

It was a spectacular finish to a frustrating afternoon and Flynn knows it was tough on the visitors.

“It’s a nice time to win the game, but we were really poor in the second half and Carlisle were the better team,” said the Exiles boss.

“It is a little bit harsh on them, and I’ve got a lot of time and respect for Steve Pressley.

“It is bitter-sweet for us because we didn’t really deserve it. Overall a draw would have been a fair result after a poor second half.

“We were lacking today. We didn’t hold up the ball well enough, which meant we couldn’t squeeze up the pitch and our crossing wasn’t good.

“But the important thing was keeping the clean sheet. That gave us the platform to go on and win it.

“I went for it and put on an extra attacker and thankfully George Nurse scored his first league goal and it was an absolute screamer.”

The win lifts County to third in the League Two table, just a point behind new leaders Forest Green Rovers after 12 games.

“We have got a stronger squad this season and they are a fantastic group,” added Flynn. “It is becoming a bit of a slogan for us – we’ll keep fighting to the end.”

On the decision to send on Nurse, the manager said: “It was a substitution to counteract them on the break with their pace as well.

“But George has got a fantastic left foot. I watched him before we signed him. I’ve got a good relationship with Bristol City and we haven’t had any duds from them.

“He has worked hard after a freak injury and he has gone about things in the right manner so I’m delighted for him.”

Read more: Newport County 1 Carlisle United 0 - match report from Rodney Parade