NEWPORT County AFC boss Michael Flynn has called on his players to finish the job after a season that has surpassed expectations.

The Exiles head to Southend tomorrow afternoon needing a point to ensure their 2020/21 campaign carries on in the League Two play-offs.

In knockout competitions Flynn's side claimed the scalps of Swansea and Watford and took Premier League pair Newcastle and Brighton to penalties.

READ MORE: Southend won't clock off under Brown, says Flynn

They combined that with setting the pace in League Two until the January loss of influential loanees Scott Twine and Brandon Cooper, plus the deterioration of the Rodney Parade pitch, led to them slipping down the table.

However, they have regrouped to finish the campaign strongly with four clean sheets helping them to 10 points from a possible 12.

It means that County, who have recorded their highest points total since returning to the Football League in 2013 and have been in the top seven since matchday three, have their play-off destiny in their own hands.

More of the same is the call from Flynn, who is likely to name the same starting line-up for the fifth game on the spin.

South Wales Argus:

"We've got to stick to doing what we have been doing," said the manager. "We have a fantastic group of players that deserve all the plaudits.

"I am extremely proud of them. They are a fantastic group and I love working with them every day.

"We have our good moments and bad moments but they are a good solid group. They stick together and always believe in each other. If you've got that then you have a very good chance.

"If we get into the play-offs it will be a fantastic season. Go back to the start of the season and my remit was to keep us in the league and we have easily done more than that."

County have an experienced core who were part of the 2019 squad that made it to the play-off final at Wembley and have experienced high-profile games in the FA Cup that have boosted the club's coffers.

"They've just been normal and themselves, which is what I expect of them," said Flynn. "They don't get too carried away and they don't get too down.

"It's a good trait to have and I am looking forward to hopefully getting a positive result.

"You don't always get what you deserve in life, never mind football. Football has a cruel habit of kicking you in the teeth, it's a very emotional sport and we have to make sure we are on the right side of the emotions."

South Wales Argus:

If County win then they would enjoy home advantage in the second leg of the play-off semi-finals, and could even leapfrog Morecambe into fourth.

"I am not bothered about who finishes where as long as we are in that top seven," said Flynn. "Fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh, I don't care.

"We will finish where we finish and will play whoever. The only thing I am thinking about is getting to the play-offs."