MICHAEL Flynn believes Newport County AFC are a match for anyone in League Two at full strength but he insists it’s too early in the season to call his side play-off contenders.

Padraig Amond’s second-half strike sealed a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday and ensured that County bounced back from a disappointing defeat at Morecambe.

The Exiles’ fourth league win of the season saw them climb only one place in the table to eighth but they are now just a point behind the play-off sides and two points off third-placed Luton Town.

But, asked if his side were contenders for a top-seven finish, Flynn said: “No. I don’t take any notice of league tables, especially in the first half of the season.

“There’s always one team who falls and there’s always one team that comes from nowhere.

“I’m just happy to keep going under the radar and keep picking up points and getting wins on the board.

“The key thing for me is keeping everybody fit,” he added.

“That’s a big thing for us with a small squad. And if we do that then we’re going to be a match for most teams.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn was delighted to welcome back captain Joss Labadie (above) and defender Mark O’Brien, while Ben Tozer impressed in midfield as Matty Dolan was rested.

But with away trips to Crawley Town tomorrow and Luton Town four days later, the Exiles boss will make changes this week.

“They are two big players for us,” he said of Labadie and O’Brien.

“They are two leaders and they bring that mentality. I thought they were both exceptional.

“I didn’t really want to take any of them off but I had to be cautious and think about Tuesday because I didn’t want OB getting any more cramp and it turning into a strain and him being out for the next two or three.

“I was pleased with all of them. I just felt that Matty needed a rest,” he added.

“He’s had a tough time off the field as well, which obviously is between us.

“He’s a great lad and he’ll bounce back after a rest.

“He’s chomping at the bit now and he’ll be ready for Tuesday.”

The likes of Scot Bennett, Dan Butler, Lamar Reynolds and Shawn McCoulsky could also feature but Reece Cole and Marlon Jackson are still ruled out.

“We’ve got three games in a week and I was thinking about that with my selection,” said Flynn.

“Joss and OB – are they going to make three games in a week? I doubt it. Ben Tozer? I doubt it. So we had to be careful in our selection and we got it right.

“I was pleased with everything – the chances we created, the amount of second balls we won and the decision-making on the ball.

“It was a solid performance and apart from missing a few chances it couldn’t have gone much better.”