TWO goals from Jamille Matt and one each from Fraser Franks and Padraig Amond gave Newport County AFC a comprehensive 4-1 win at Notts County. Here are the talking points…

No FA Cup hangover

Michael Flynn was not happy to be playing this game just three days after his side had taken on Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Cup.

The manager described the scheduling of the match as “crazy” after such a gruelling game that would undoubtedly have taken a lot out of his players, both physically and mentally.

But, far from looking jaded, the Exiles started like a house on fire and ripped into the brittle home defence – using the adrenaline and the momentum that they have gathered from such a fine run in the cup to maximum effect.

Exiles shake off their travel sickness

Incredibly, this was County’s first away win in League Two since they triumphed at Tranmere Rovers on September 22 – their third successive away win that month.

After draws at Forest Green Rovers and Bury and fruitless trips to Crawley Town, Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town, Swindon Town, Lincoln City, Stevenage, Crewe Alexandra and Grimsby Town, Flynn’s men have finally tasted victory on the road again.

The boss is right to point out that his side deserved more at Forest Green, Carlisle, Swindon, Lincoln, Stevenage and Crewe, but he must be delighted that his players have finally got that monkey off their back and they can go to MK Dons on Saturday full of confidence.

South Wales Argus:

Matt and Amond a handful for anyone

Padraig Amond’s second-half header at Meadow Lane saw him reach the 20-goal mark for the season and Jamille Matt’s double means that he is now on 17.

That is an outstanding return for two League Two strikers before the end of February and the pair look capable of adding many more goals between them before the end of the campaign.

It’s a proper partnership with both creating goals for each other as well as scoring against the Magpies. The League Two basement boys just couldn’t cope with the deadly duo, which is no surprise given that they have already troubled the likes of Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Manchester City this season.

Play-offs still within reach

Flynn has been dismissive of any talk of the play-offs in recent weeks, but this result means that he will continue to be asked about his team’s hopes of a top-seven finish.

They stay 15th in the table, but the win moved County to within six points of seventh-placed Carlisle United, with a game in hand.

With 14 games still to play and 42 points still to play for, there will be plenty of twists and turns to come before May but the Exiles clearly haven’t given up hope of a play-off push. And, on this evidence, it would be foolish for anyone to write them off just yet.

Read more: Match report from Meadow Lane as Exiles run riot

Read more: That was the perfect away performance, says Flynn