Newport County are just one step away from their first ever season in the third-tier after coming through their play-off semi-final with Mansfield.

Nine points separated them and the Stags, but over two legs they managed to squeeze through, needing a penalty shoot out to secure a Wembley date with Tranmere Rovers.

It's just over two years since manager Michael Flynn took over a side seemingly set for relegation to the National League, only for him to pull off a great escape.

He's spent the past couple of seasons moulding an organised side, committed to the cause and always very hard to beat. The goals of Jamile Matt and Padraig Amond have helped this season, but all over the pitch they've been effective.

They face the biggest fixture of their history this weekend as they face Mickey Mellon's side, so here are three things we think Flynn will be thinking ahead of the game.

James Norwood

It's inevitable that Flynn will have one eye on his opponents and their top striker, James Norwood.

He'll be hoping to sign off from Tranmere with a goal or two that earns promotion and Flynn will know if he keeps the deadly assassin quiet, he's got a good chance of putting Newport in the same division as Portsmouth, Ipswich and Bolton.

Cup Run Momentum

They knocked Leicester and Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup this season, eventually losing 4-1 to Manchester City. Last season they beat Leeds and ended up holding Spurs to a draw.

That momentum has carried forward into the league and Flynn will doubtless be thinking he has to harness that big game experience on the biggest stage in England.

Those big occasions and the belief derived from winning the matches will surely give them a head start this weekend.

Journey Completion

Newport were down and out when Flynn took over, but he's turned them into a potential League One side through endeavour and shrewd player acquisition.

If they do go up, the journey will be complete. Flynn's own stock is rising and he could find himself the subject of interest if they're successful.