5 things we learned from Newport County v Colchester United

1. Back to the Future Part Three

After the return of David Pipe and Craig Reid to the squad in recent weeks, Graham Westley brought back another promotion-winning hero in the shape of Michael Flynn.

The sight of the coach’s name on the substitute’s bench was a shock to nearly everyone at Rodney Parade but Flynn, who hasn’t played since May 2015, has worked hard on his fitness and still believes he can cut it in League Two aged 36.

He was warned by the fourth official for coaching from the touchline when he was supposed to be warming-up and if he can help his hometown club stay up by his efforts on and off the pitch then it will secure his hero status with the County fans.

2. Sheehan stay is vital

Graham Westley seems confident that he will be able to extend Josh Sheehan’s loan from Swansea City beyond next Saturday’s trip to Barnet and yesterday’s match proved once again how important that will be.

His seventh goal of the season moved him clear of the departed Rhys Healey as the club’s top scorer this season and Sheehan (below) consistently looks like being the best hope of a goal or an assist.

3. Paying the penalty, again

County once again got themselves ahead and not for the first time this season they let the opposition back into the game via the penalty spot as Kurtis Guthrie went down under Darren Jones’s challenge.

It was the 12th penalty that the Exiles have conceded this season under Warren Feeney and Graham Westley, suggesting the defenders need to be cleverer in the way the challenge for the ball in the box.

4. Pipe’s passion a big asset

There were many eyebrows raised when David Pipe returned to the club on loan from Eastleigh and a mixed afternoon at Stevenage last week seemed to add to the doubts many had about the 33-year-old.

But, while he was caught out of position once or twice, his display against Colchester showed just why the manager felt he was what County needed in their current predicament.

Pipe was pumped up from the start and led by example as he drove his team forward and defended with 100 per cent commitment.

5. Reidy ready to play his part

There were just as many doubters about the return of Craig Reid (above) after six years away from Newport that have produced more downs than ups for the striker.

But, like Pipe, he did enough yesterday to suggest that he could help County get out of the hole they’re in at the bottom of League Two.

After a lively cameo off the bench last week he earned a first start and outshone fellow new signing Aaron Williams. Had two efforts on target in the second half and the hope is that he will bury those chances when he’s fully up to speed.