MICHAEL Flynn was full of praise for a perfect Newport County display as the Exiles warmed up for Wednesday’s huge Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United by downing Bolton Wanderers.

Striker Tristan Abrahams moved to five goals for the season by scoring twice in the second half as County ended the weekend third in League Two.

It is early days, but Newport and Abrahams have started in fine fashion and Flynn’s men were fully deserving of the three points at Bolton.

The Newport manager said: “Coming up here for a long away trip I thought we were excellent. We could have scored six or seven today to be honest.

“I’ve just said to Coops (Brandon Cooper) the centre-back he could have had a hat-trick of headers. Liam Shephard could have had a few. Tristan again could have had a hat-trick and Josh Sheehan missed a chance. It was the perfect away performance against a team who are going to come good.

“Let’s not get carried away. We’re still at the start of the season, but it’s a great start for Tristan. He’s got five goals already and he’ll thrive off that.

“Look at him at the end closing down – that’s what we’re about as a team. We were still pressing when the game was won.”

Abrahams’ goals have already sent Championship sides Swansea and Watford tumbling out of the Carabao Cup and next he’ll have Steve Bruce’s Newcastle in his sights.

The game with the Magpies will be shown live on Sky Sports which will earn County some priceless television revenue at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic continues to hit finances hard.

“It’s brilliant for us to be live on Sky playing a Premier League team,” Flynn said.

“Any extra money that isn’t budgeted for is a godsend for all clubs, not just us. The players should be proud they’re playing their part in brining money in. I know it’s their job to win football matches, but they should also be proud.”

Abrahams opened the scoring in the 54th minute when captain Joss Labadie shot from distance and Bolton goalkeeper Billy Crellin couldn’t hold the ball. Abrahams tapped home.

Home striker Nathan Delfouneso had an equaliser ruled out by the linesman for handball soon after, a decision Flynn thought was right.

“The referee said he didn’t see it, but the linesman has made the right call. I’ve seen it again. It was a brave call so fair play to him,” he said.

“They get a lot of stick, but when they make a decision like that they have to get it right and he did.”

Abrahams had another simple finish for his second after Crellin again spilled a shot, this time from Ryan Haynes.

“I’ll have to have a good think and maybe freshen it up a bit for Newcastle,” said Flynn.

"The boys have been in a good run of form, their fitness is excellent.”