NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn blasted his side for the “criminal” defending that led to Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Carlisle United and warned that those responsible would be jettisoned if they continue to make mistakes.

County, who were missing Fraser Franks through suspension as well as injured duo Mark O’Brien and Scot Bennett, were 2-0 down inside 12 minutes at Brunton Park.

Jamie Devitt capitalised on another slow start from the Exiles to claim two quickfire goals before Padraig Amond halved the deficit.

Dan Butler looked to have earned his side a point with a close-range equaliser four minutes from time but a Danny Grainger thunderbolt won it for the hosts deep into stoppage time.

Flynn was delighted with the way his team performed for much of the match but he couldn’t conceal his anger when discussing the goals they conceded.

“It’s tough to take because apart from the first 15 minutes I thought we played some blistering football, we were outstanding,” said the manager.

“I thought Tyreeq Bakinson was the best player on the park by a country mile, Robbie [Willmott] did very well at left wing-back, Josh Sheehan was looking good again, Joe [Day] made a couple of good saves, Pipey [David Pipe] and Buts [Butler] were solid.

“They all played very well but one or two switched off at crucial moments and it cost us the game.”

Flynn continued: “It’s simple things; we watched their corner [routines] in the hotel before we left but people switched off and didn’t do their jobs.

“It’s criminal. It’s costing us and I’ve told them that if it keeps happening, they’ll be out of the door in January.

“If they continue to make mistakes, I’ll just get them out of the door. They’ll go out on loan or I’ll get new faces in. And that is not a threat, it’s a promise.

“We’ve got a fantastic opportunity to do something this season and if there’s one or two, or three or four costing us then I’ll get rid of them.”

Captain Mickey Demetriou was the only recognised centre-back in the starting XI with 17-year-old Jay Foulston an unused substitute.

“He’s not quite ready and I don’t think it’s fair to put him in,” explained the manager. “I did think about it but I don’t want to kill the boy’s career before it starts.”

County, who dropped to sixth in the table, now turn their attention to the FA Cup and a trip to Surrey to take on Metropolitan Police FC.

“We’ve got to go and win next week because it’s very important for the club’s finances,” said Flynn.

“We’ve got Fraser back from suspension and hopefully everybody else stays fit.

“I didn’t want to bring Jamille [Matt] on because he was still a little bit stiff.

“He wasn’t 100 per cent but he put his body on the line for the football club.

“And we had Tyreeq playing with a strapped knee and he was superb. They’re the kind of players I want here.”