NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn had to make do without a "marquee signing" over the summer but hopes his squad can continue to upset the odds after Saturday's battling victory at Port Vale.

Goals from defenders Scot Bennett and Dan Butler earned County three points at Vale Park and saw Flynn's men climb to second in the League Two table after six games.

Left-back Cameron Pring, who arrived from Bristol City before Friday's loan deadline, was an unused substitute against Vale and Flynn admitted that any new signing would find it hard to earn a starting spot for the Exiles right now.

"You always want that one marquee signing but we can't," he said. "It's one of those things. We can't do it and I accept that and I get on with it.

"It would have had to be somebody special anyway because the group we've got is so tight-knit and together that you don't want to upset the applecart."

"Cameron gives us that cover and gives us that balance with his left foot and he's very quick," he added.

"It's going to be tough for him to get in because I think Dan Butler's doing really well, so he's got to be patient but I'm sure he'll take his opportunity when he gets it."

The fans may be excited to see County in the automatic promotion places but Flynn is not getting carried away.

"I don't take any notice of the table at this point and I wouldn't if we were down the bottom either," he said.

"It's September and there's a long season ahead. As long we stay injury-free, we'll do OK."

Robbie Willmott is still sidelined by a hamstring problem, while Antoine Semenyo (concussion) and captain Andrew Crofts (ankle) missed Saturday's win.

Top scorer Padraig Amond, who was the club's marquee signing of 2017, was forced off after an hour in the Potteries but should be fit for the trip to Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

"I think he's got a dead leg," said Flynn straight after the game. "I'm hoping that's all it is. It's not too serious, hopefully.

"It was probably one for him to forget for him but he's a pest, he doesn't stay still and he does so many things off the ball.

"A lot of teams would like to have him and I'm glad we've got him."