Cambridge United 2-1 Newport County: Mullin double seals win for U's

Paul Mullin joined Cambridge on a permanent deal in July after a loan spell at the club last season

Newport County were knocked off top spot in League Two as Paul Mullin's double saw them lose 2-1 at Cambridge United.

Mullin continued his impressive start to the season with a goal in each half at the Abbey Stadium.

Scott Twine's spectacular strike brought Newport back into contest, but Mike Flynn's team were beaten for the first time in the league this season.

Cambridge climb to second in the table as Newport slip to third.

Newport missed the chance to go ahead when Joss Labadie shot over on 23 minutes, before Harry Darling headed in for Cambridge only the offside flag to cut short home celebrations.

County keeper Nick Townsend then did well to deny Mullin, but the former Tranmere striker steered home the opening goal from veteran former Ireland international Wes Hoolahan's cross.

After a deluge of rain saw the start of the second half delayed by 10 minutes, Cambridge doubled their lead when a miskick from Townsend allowed Mullin to fire in his sixth goal of the season.

On-loan Swindon forward Twine pulled a goal back with a long-range drive which went in off the bar, but Mark Bonner's Cambridge held on to claim the points before both sets of players clashed at full time.

Newport manager Mike Flynn told BBC Radio Wales:

"The goals we gave away were very cheap. There were more mistakes in that game from our players than combined from the season so far.

"The conditions were terrible, especially second half. If it wasn't such a long journey, I would have been all over them (to call off the game).

"It's the same for both teams - I am not using any excuses - but it stopped us. The game we have been playing, moving the ball quickly and getting at teams, we couldn't do it.

"It's frustrating - I don't like losing, you know that - but we have to write it off and keep going.

"Don't ask me about referees - there's no point. I am not saying anything because I am going to get in trouble."