Michael Flynn: Newport did a professional job against Barrow

The Exiles built on their opening day draw at Scunthorpe United with a 2-1 win against the Cumbrians for their first three points of the League Two campaign.

Right wing-back Liam Shephard opened the scoring at Rodney Parade before a defensive howler allowed Lewis Hardcastle to level for the National League champions.

Barrow then returned the favour with Ryan Taylor claiming the winner from a misplaced pass across the box early in the second half.

County secured the spoils without any success, with Flynn hailing a more resolute display after the break.

“We were quite sloppy in the first half after starting well. We are looking to play good football and played some really good stuff but, and I spoke to them about this at half-time, every single one of the back five made an individual error,” he said.

“That gives the opposition a chance to get a bit of confidence and a foothold in the game. The goal that we gave them was poor and gave them the impetus.

“They came at us then for about 10 minutes of the first half but the second half was a very professional performance.

“We carried on playing football, which was pleasing, and I can’t remember them having a shot.”

County have four points from two league games and will also face Watford on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup after knocking out Swansea and Cambridge.

“It’s gone from a good start to a very good start,” said Flynn. “A point away from home and then a win at home is pleasing.

“But it’s just the beginning and I’ll never get carried away. There’s a lot of hard work to do and a couple of things to improve, with the games are coming thick and fast.”