The talking points from Colchester United 3 Newport County 1

The misery in Colchester continues for County

Manager Michael Flynn admitted beforehand that he doesn’t enjoy going to the JobServe Community Stadium and this trip didn’t provide much to remember fondly.

Tristan Abrahams’ goal – the first from a County player in Colchester since 1973 – at least got one monkey off their back.

That fifth-minute strike briefly allowed the 180 travelling fans to believe they may witness a first win in the ancient town in 47 years, before normal service resumed and the hosts took charge of the contest.

Manager not afraid to take drastic action

For the second match in succession, Flynn made a double substitution at the start of the second half.

It worked against Crawley Town last Tuesday as County recovered from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 but, while they looked marginally more threatening after the break yesterday, it couldn’t alter the outcome of the match.

It’s a positive that Flynn is ready to change personnel and formations when things are not going to plan, but the fact that he’s felt the need to do so after just 45 minutes in the last two game might suggest that he’s picked the wrong starting line-ups.

BATTLE: Colchester United's former Newport County defender Ryan Jackson holds off George Nurse

Exiles old boys make life difficult for their former club

There were two former County players in the Colchester team and both made their mark on proceedings.

Right-back Ryan Jackson didn’t score in 73 appearances for the Exiles between 2013 and 2015 but his equaliser on Saturday, which deflected off Mark O’Brien, was his second goal against Michael Flynn’s men in three seasons with Colchester.

Striker Frank Nouble spent just one season at Rodney Parade in 2017-2018 but he made his mark with flashes of brilliance interspersed with a number of frustrating performances.

And he reminded his old club of his capabilities with an excellent performance in tandem with ex-Arsenal defender Cohen Bramall down the left flank. Nouble was a real handful but couldn’t quite get the goal he deserved.

Opportunity missed for Flynn’s men

The rain ravaged the League Two fixture list and a series of postponements for waterlogged pitches across the country provided County with a chance to leapfrog the clubs above them.

Crewe Alexandra, Cheltenham Town, Forest Green Rovers and Bradford City were all kicking their heels yesterday, meaning a win for the Exiles would have seen them climb to second or even to the summit.

Defeat means they remain three points behind leaders Crewe, but now without a game in hand. It was Exeter City who took advantage of the situation as they rose to second thanks to a thumping 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle in the Devon derby.

Read more: We didn't deserve anything, admits Newport County boss