NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn felt there were “a lot of positives” for his team, despite bowing out of the FA Cup after a 3-0 defeat at Millwall this afternoon.

Matt Smith gave the Championship play-off hopefuls an early lead and a second-half penalty from Connor Mahoney and a late third from substitute Tom Bradshaw wrapped up a comfortable win for the hosts.

But County could have levelled after the break as strikers Jamille Matt and Padraig Amond both went close and Flynn was proud of his players’ efforts.

“The first goal we gave away left us with a lot to do,” said the Exiles boss.

“But we got back into the game and I thought we were the better team for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

“It could have been different if we’d scored and we should have. We should have equalised, so it’s frustrating.

“But you’ve got to give credit to Millwall; we were chasing it in the end and they punished us.

“The third goal we conceded was just when we were trying to get a goal to make it a grandstand finish.

“That’s what happens when you play a team who are in a confident mood and they’re two leagues above you.”

South Wales Argus:

Millwall are seventh in the Championship, while County started the day in 14th in League Two having not won a league match since October 19.

“Again, we missed too many chances and we gave away a very sloppy goal – all the hard work you do is undone after seven minutes so it’s a bit frustrating,” added Flynn.

“But there were a lot of positives out there from the players playing against a team who were 54 places above us and they knew they were in a game.

“There’s no giant-killing this year but getting to the third round is an achievement and there’s definitely no embarrassment losing to Millwall away.

“Gary [Rowett] has done a very good job and they’re on a roll.”

Read more: Millwall 3 Newport County 0 - match report from The Den