Newport County duo claim League Two manager and player of the month awards

April began with Flynn dismissing the play-off places as too far away.

It ended with County roaring into the top seven as his ability to raise his players’ performance levels shone through, with 15 points from seven games and just one goal conceded.

Ahead of tomorrow’s final-day decider at Morecambe, Flynn said: “It’s a fantastic team effort, not just the boys on the pitch, it's the entire squad, the staff, I couldn't do it without them.

“It's a real team effort. I wish they were in the photo, but we'll have to do with just me and Joe.”

Former Scotland boss George Burley chairs the manager of the month judging panel.

He said: “What a month Michael Flynn’s team gave the supporters of Newport County.

“Fifteen points from seven unbeaten games, which included excellent wins against leading clubs Lincoln City and Bury, was enough to climb into the play-off places and ensure a dramatic end to the season.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “Newport County look to have timed their play-off push to perfection, using their games in hand to the full effect and sneaking into seventh position on the final day of April.

“Enormous credit must go to Michael Flynn who is relishing the promotion battle, having saved the club from going out of the EFL just two seasons ago.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies added: “Michael Flynn’s Newport won four and drew three games in April to propel themselves into play-off contention.

“They can guarantee themselves a play-off spot with victory away at Morecambe on Saturday.

“The Exiles are 9/2 to be promoted from 9/1 at the start of the season.”

A busy month for the Exiles was made easier by the form of goalkeeper Day who, astonishingly, kept six clean sheets and conceded just one goal in seven games.

“I am delighted to receive this award,” said the 28-year-old.

“It's a very proud moment for me to win it but, in all honesty, it has been a real team effort throughout April.

“The results we have picked up and ground out have been amazing, from the front to the back of the team, it has been massive."

Goodman said: “It’s not often that a goalkeeper wins the player of the month, but when your team moves into a play-Off berth courtesy of six clean sheets, people tend to sit up and take notice.

“Newport went into April with one of the worst defensive records in the EFL but only conceded one goal in the month, despite playing three of the top five, a quite remarkable turnaround.”

Davies added: “The foundation for Newport’s push for the play-offs has been built on a solid defence and amazingly Joe Day only conceded one goal in April.”

County could make it a hat-trick of awards for April as Mickey Demetriou has been nominated for goal of the month for his stunning strike against Bury on Good Friday.

Up for a corner, Demetriou drifted to the left of the penalty spot to receive a pass, allowed the ball to loop up off his instep as he spun and walloped a stunning volley into the net.

Voting for that award is open now at skysports.com and closes on Monday.

The winner will be announced on Friday, May 10.