Mike Flynn insists “nothing is done yet” despite seeing his side move out of the relegation zone for the first time since November, writes Ryan Robinson.
Ryan Bird’s second half strike was enough to see off Accrington Stanley at Rodney Parade, in a game that saw County leave destiny in their own hands going into the final two matches.
But Flynn says he will not let his players get carried away with the recent change in form.
“Nothing is done – all it does is put more pressure on Hartlepool because they have to win now,” he said.
“Cheltenham as well, because if they lose and we win next week then they have a very tough away game to Portsmouth [on the final day.]
“It’s not something I’m looking at because we’re in a position now where if we win our final two games then we’re safe so that is all we will be concentrating on now.”
He added: “Six weeks ago, we were nowhere near this position, let’s be honest.
“It was hope, prayer, wishful thinking – but I’ll tell you what has got us here and that is hard work, togetherness and a great appetite to produce the goods for the club.
“I’ve told the boys that now it can go one of two ways. They can either freeze or take it by the scruff of the neck and potentially be safe with a game to go.
“I know which I think they will do and it is the latter because they’ve got so much character, discipline – they were just outstanding today.”
County made it four 1-0 wins in five games with that victory over Stanley and Flynn believes every player deserves credit for the remarkable run of form.
He said: “I’m absolutely made up for Ryan Bird. I’ve been on to him and saying he needs a few more goals. I got a great reaction from him again.
“Listen, its team effort and everyone was outstanding. The team was outstanding – the back boys, the keeper, the subs who came on made a difference and that’s all I can ask for.
“Those who maybe had an off day on the ball, made up for it off the ball. It’s a team game and I told the boys that. The injured boys I’ve told them that too. I’ve never seen a successful team when everybody doesn’t stick together and we are sticking together.”
He continued: “Joe Day had a good game. He’s a great keeper and a lovely lad and he was very good but he wasn’t the only one.From one to 11 they were outstanding.”
Flynn also says it was encouraging to see how his side bounced back from Monday’s defeat to Plymouth.
He added: “We came up against a very good team last week and other than that we haven’t looked short against anybody while I’ve been in charge.
“I knew Monday was a blip and I got the right reaction from the boys. I’m very proud of them, they’ve produced the goods under pressure and got the goal and that’s all I can ask for.
“We keep them grounded when we win and we don’t get too disappointed when we lose. We win together and we lose together and that’s what it will be until the end of the season.”
A record home league crowd was in attendance for the victory, and Flynn paid tribute to the loyal supporters.
He said: “The fans were outstanding.
“I’ve said that I don’t really worry about other results until we’ve got our job done but I didn’t need to ask today because the fans made it clear – they were that loud.
“They were reactive, brilliant. I can’t fault them.”
Flynn now takes his side on the long trip to Carlisle knowing that if results go their way, safety could be secured with victory at Brunton Park.
But Flynn remained adamant that they will be focused on securing the three points, and nothing else.
“We’ll stay grounded, why would we get carried away,” he said.
“We’ve got two games to go and I want to finish it off next week if we can so we can get our place rocking in two weeks’ time.
“It’s going to be a tough game at Carlisle – they are fighting for the play-offs.
“But we’ll go there prepared and give it our all because the goal is three points.”
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