NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn celebrated an “outstanding” team performance from his side as they marked his 100th league game in charge with a 3-1 win over Bury to give their play-off hopes a major boost.

Two goals from Mickey Demetriou and one from Jamille Matt sealed a thrilling 3-1 win at Rodney Parade and moved County to within two points of seventh-placed Exeter City with a game in hand.

And the Exiles now know that if they win their remaining four games, starting at relegation-threatened Macclesfield on Monday (kick-off 3pm), they will be assured of a play-off spot.

“It’s an important three points and all that’s done now is basically put the ball in our court,” said Flynn.

“If we win our last four games, we’re guaranteed a play-off place.

“It’s a huge credit to the players for getting this close. They’re a fantastic group and the boys will take a lot of confidence from that, because Bury are a very good team.”

Nicky Maynard cancelled out Demetriou’s fifth-minute opener with a cool finish two minutes later.

But Matt restored County’s lead on 14 minutes before Demetriou sealed a vital victory with 15 minutes to go.

“We were outstanding from start to finish,” said Flynn.

“As a team performance, I can’t really remember anything that they did wrong.

“Bury’s goal was a touch fortunate – our player touched it on so he was onside.

“But we showed great character to get another one straightaway and then the third one killed it.”

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Flynn’s men are now unbeaten in six games and gathering momentum at just the right time.

“I think we’ve got 14 out of 18 points now, which isn’t bad,” he said.

“Momentum is huge, but there’s a couple of other teams around us who have won as well.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves; if we win the next four in a row, we’ll be in the play-offs. If we don’t, we’ll struggle to get in there. It’s as simple as that.

“I’m not getting carried away, but the boot is on the other foot now.

“We’re in pole position. If we win all our games we’ll be there.

“I’m obviously over the moon with this result, but there’s still four games to go and we’ve got to go and get a result at Macclesfield on Monday now.”

Goalscorer Matt, who was forced off at half-time, and midfielder Matty Dolan, who came off midway through the second half will be assessed before the Easter Monday trip to the Moss Rose.

“We’ve had some forced changes again,” said the manager. “I just hope they recover in time for Monday.

“Jamma is struggling with a dead leg again so we’ll have to see how he responds to treatment over the next couple of days. Matty came off with cramp, but he got an important 67 minutes in the bank.”

Read more: Match report from Rodney Parade

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