NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn laid into his players for producing “an awful performance” with “no fight” as they were beaten 2-0 at relegation-threatened Barnet.

Flynn was clearly angry after watching his side fail to produce a shot on target against the Bees, who won the match thanks to goals from Shaquile Coulthirst and Ricardo Santos.

But for goal-line clearances from Dan Butler and Ben White and a series of save from goalkeeper Joe Day, it could have been much more comfortable for the hosts.

The result finally ended any slim hopes that County had of making the League Two play-offs as they dropped to 14th in the table.

But Flynn was more concerned about the manner of the defeat and a display that he felt was even worse than in February’s 5-0 hammering at Mansfield Town.

“That was without doubt the worst performance since I’ve been here,” said the Exiles boss.

“I can’t stomach that performance. We prepared as usual and nobody would have seen that performance coming.

“It’s the fans I feel sorry for, those that travelled here, because that performance was something that I will not put up with.

“We can all have bad games but the most disappointing thing for me was that we didn’t have any fight. That’s what I can’t handle.”

Flynn threw on Frank Nouble and Paul Hayes after the dire first-half display but there was no second-half fightback.

“It wasn’t hard for us to improve after the first half and I thought we did but there was no fight and we didn’t create anything,” admitted Flynn.

“It was an awful performance, worse than Mansfield – at least we ran around at Mansfield.

“I’m angry and they’ll be in for training in the morning.”

The manager will demand a reaction from his side as they host already-promoted Accrington Stanley at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night.

Stanley need just a point to be crowned champions and several County players will have a point to prove to the manager and the fans.

“They have to get up for Accrington now,” said Flynn. “These players are playing for contracts and to impress me for next season. If they don’t then they won’t be here.”