Manager Michael Flynn insists he can take numerous positives from the Emirates FA Cup third round clash will Championship outfit Millwall even though Newport County AFC were knocked out of the competition after a 3-0 defeat at the Den.
Matt Smith, Connor Mahoney (penalty) and Tom Bradshaw all scored again just like they did in Millwall’s victory over Luton Town on New Year’s Day.
County had their moments in the capital and almost found an equaliser on 53 minutes. Mark O’Brien’s chipped pass put Jamille Matt in behind the otherwise unbreachable Millwall centre-half partnership, but Bartosz Bialkowski made a terrific save and Padraig Amond put the rebound wide.
A frustrating afternoon but still a positive afternoon for the Exiles who can be proud of making the third round of the competition for the fourth time in five seasons.
Read the full match report.
Flynn affirmed: “We missed too many chances and we gave away a very sloppy goal. It’s frustrating but there were a lot of positives from the players against a team 54 places above us. Millwall knew they were in a game.
“The first goal we gave away left us with a lot to do. We got back into the game and the first 25 minutes of the second half, I thought we were the better team and should have equalised. It’s a little bit frustrating.
“You have to give credit to Millwall. We were chasing the game and they punished us, that’s what happens when you play a team who are in a confident mood and two leagues above you.
“Lewis Collins is back from illness, Corey Whitely, Mark O’Brien are back from injury. Mickey Demetriou has now played a few games in a row and Kyle Howkins will be ready as of Monday.
“It’s a lot more positive and you can feel the competition for places coming back again now.
“Getting to the Third Round is an achievement and there’s definitely no embarrassment losing away to Millwall. I think Gary Rowett has done a very good job and they’re on a roll now.”