NEWPORT County AFC had to settle for a point after drawing another blank at Port Vale. Here's what we learned...

1. Port Vale are in deep trouble

Last week’s 0-0 at home to Notts County will probably go down as a point gained for the Exiles but this was definitely two points dropped.

The hosts are without a win in 2018 and you can see why as they produced a lacklustre display that should have been punished by Flynn’s men who missed a great opportunity to pick up three points on the road.

2. There won’t be a February goal of the month winner

Five games this month have produced a grand total of zero goals for County and it’s now more than 500 minutes since Padraig Amond hit the net in the first half at Lincoln City back on January 30.

The Exiles at least created chances this week and should have won the game but none of the strikers looks confident in front of goal at the moment.

South Wales Argus:

3. Time to start Hayes and give Sheehan a chance

Paul Hayes (above) has had limited game time since his arrival and it could be worth giving him a go from the start against Accrington Stanley next week.

The team looks in need of freshening up and surely it’s time to see if Josh Sheehan can add a spark in midfield – if he’s fit enough. Even if he’s only able to perform in short bursts he could make the difference with a late cameo or two.

4. The current squad have matched the class of 2017

With a point at Vale Park, County moved to 48 points from 34 games and matched the total accrued in 46 matches last season.

It’s a measure of the progress that has been made over the last 12 months, even if the past six weeks have been a disappointment in terms of league results.

5. County need Great Escape form or better to make top seven

The Exiles were 11 points from safety with 12 games to play when Flynn took charge at the same stage last season so they should in theory be capable of bridging the nine-point gap to the play-off places.

But they will need to match and probably better the seven wins they achieved in those final 12 games last year to stand a chance of a top-seven finish and that looks a tall order on current form.