CARETAKER manager Michael Flynn says pulling off the Great Escape with Newport County AFC means just as much as winning promotion in 2013.

Flynn was a player in the Wembley victory over Wrexham four years ago and he kicked every ball from the dugout at Rodney Parade as his Exiles side beat Notts County to secure their Football League status.

Mark O’Brien volleyed in the winner in the 89th minute to seal a 2-1 victory and ensure that County stayed above relegation rivals Hartlepool United.

“It feels just as good as winning promotion because we’ve achieved the same goal – we’ve got to the Football League,” said Flynn.

“Both were long shots but we got there four years ago and we’ve stayed there now.

“We were keeping up to date with the Hartlepool game and I feel sorry for them but it was either them or us and I’m so glad that it’s them.

“These players have just gone and written their names in the record books and they deserve everything,” he added.

“They’ve been fantastic for me and I can’t thank them enough.”

Mickey Demetriou had scored from the penalty spot in the first half to give Flynn’s men the lead but Jorge Grant levelled after the break.

And Hartlepool’s fightback to beat Doncaster Rovers meant the Exiles needed to win to stay up.

“This is why I’ve got great staff with me,” said Flynn. “Wayne Hatswell was telling me to go for it, chuck another one up front.

“We threw Mark O’Brien up front and he got the winner.

“It was unbelievable. He scored one like that in training on Friday and we were all running around the pitch laughing. We couldn’t believe it and he’s gone and done it again.

“He’s been absolutely superb for us and I can’t thank him enough.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” he added. “I’m so happy for these fans, for myself, the players – they’ve been immense – for my family, my kids and my wife Victoria, who has supported me and picked me up when I’m down.

“And the board of directors deserve a massive amount of credit for taking some tough decisions, backing me and putting their faith in me.

“Everything they do is for the good of the club. They get some unfair criticism at times but they’ve been absolutely first class in everything they’ve done.”

Flynn inherited a side 11 points from safety when he replaced Graham Westley in March but seven wins in 12 games saw them survive by two points.

“Everybody thought we were dead and buried,” he said.

“It was tense, it was scary, it was nerve-racking but we’re Newport County. We might not be the most polished club in the world but one thing we’ll always do is fight.”

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan said: “I am disappointed that we have not spoilt the party.

“I’m delighted for Flynny and Newport, but it is not how I wanted to end the season.

“I have been a part of a few escapes in the past, I have seen stuff like it. I am delighted for them and we will see them next season.”