PLAY-OFF chasing Newport County AFC were held to a 0-0 draw at relegation-threatened Macclesfield Town on Easter Monday. Here are the talking points...

It’s as you were at the top and the bottom

A point apiece was not what either side wanted or needed but, as frustrating as it was for managers Sol Campbell and Michael Flynn, there was minimal damage to their respective ambitions.

Macclesfield remain two points above the bottom two after Notts County and Yeovil Town also drew with Crawley Town and Colchester United respectively.

And County are still two points below seventh-placed Exeter City with a game in hand as the four teams directly above them also failed to win.

Flynn staying positive ahead of the big finale

Both managers felt their side did enough to win the game and, with other results going their way, it would be easy to see this as a missed opportunity.

A win would have given the Exiles more margin for error over the next fortnight, but Flynn will not allow any negativity to affect his team’s chances.

They know that three wins in the final three games, which would extend the unbeaten run to 10 games, will be enough to seal a place in the play-offs. The prize is still within the players’ grasp.

South Wales Argus:

Matt and Labadie could have made a difference

Jamille Matt made the trip to Moss Rose and was named amongst the substitutes but Flynn revealed after the match that the striker was never really fit after being forced off with a dead leg against Bury on Friday.

Harry McKirdy (above) deserved his chance after impressing off the bench in the past two games and he worked tirelessly to create several opportunities for himself but the Exiles definitely missed Matt’s physical presence and link play up front.

Joss Labadie was also missing as he continues to recover from a gash to the ankle sustained against Swindon Town on April 9. His energy and driving runs from midfield could also have made a big difference in swaying a tight contest County’s way.

The champions are coming to town

Both Matt and Labadie should be available for Saturday’s home clash with Lincoln City, which promises to be quite an occasion at Rodney Parade.

Flynn’s men know they must go all out for victory and in front of what should be a big crowd and do to the leaders what they did to second-placed Bury on Good Friday.

Lincoln were confirmed as League Two champions after yesterday’s 0-0 home draw with Tranmere Rovers and County will be hoping that the Imps enjoy their celebrations between now and the weekend and take their foot off the gas just a little.

Read more: Match report from Moss Rose

Read more: It could be a huge point, says Exiles boss