YOUTH development coach Mike Flynn admits he felt a sense of pride mixed with huge disappointment after Tuesday night’s thrilling FA Youth Cup tie at Rodney Parade.

Flynn saw his Newport County AFC under-18s side come back from 4-1 down against a supremely talented MK Dons outfit to level at 4-4 in time added on for injuries and force extra-time.

But the visitors sealed a place in the third round and a tie at Nottingham Forest with a winner in the 119th minute of a compelling contest.

“I’m gutted for the lads because the effort and the character they showed to come back from 4-1 down was outstanding,” said Flynn, who coaches the team along with Danny Elliott.

“They stuck together and stuck at it and I always knew they could score goals.

“They played against a very good MK Dons team and took them right to the wire but at the end of the day we’re out of the cup.

“There is some work to do on the training pitch because we’re conceding too many sloppy goals but I am really proud of them,” he added.

“Both sides were dead on their feet at the end of the game but we need to work on our game management.

“That cost us at the end from the free-kick when they got the winning goal and I’m gutted that we went out that way.

“The character the boys showed was unbelievable and we showed our quality as well so I’m really pleased for them but also gutted that we lost it in the last minute.”

Flynn also believes that his side could have won a penalty shootout with goalkeeper Luke Harries between the sticks after Jake Keating’s late withdrawal.

“Our goalkeeper got injured in the warm-up, which didn’t help, but Luke came in and did very well,” said Flynn.

“I couldn’t really blame him for any of the goals and I would have fancied us to win on penalties.

“Our boys are good technically and Luke is quite agile so I would have backed him to save a few.”

The match was watched by MK Dons first team manager Carl Robinson and Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh and assistant Jimmy Dack.

“Carl was very complimentary and I know the gaffer was impressed as well,” added Flynn.

“Him and Dacky invited the youth team in for breakfast with the first team to get their heads up the morning after what was a disappointing night in the end.

“That was a great gesture and shows how much he cares about the youth set-up.”