Head Coach praised his Dragons for taking a big step forward in defeat to Ulster – but added that accuracy remained a key area of focus after a 40-19 loss at Kingspan Stadium.
Angus O’Brien, Elliot Dee and Rhodri Williams grabbed tries in Belfast as the Men of Gwent threatened a stunning second half comeback.
Play-off bound Ulster eventually saw the BKT United Rugby Championship game out as they bid for the title.
But for Flanagan it was a night to take the positives and see the team back on the right road after recent disappointing defeats.
“Our performance was much better,” said Flanagan.
“We looked a much better team; we were more cohesive; we were difficult to break.
“When you come to Ulster you don’t get anything for free and we earned what we got with the three tries.
“Just after the hour it was 26-19 and we had a lineout on their 22 and we have got to start turning the corner. But at least it is a big step forward tonight.
“We’ve got some work to do with accuracy,” he added.
“We went on a short line and then dropped the ball and suddenly we are 60 metres down the field.
“Accuracy is a big thing for us, but that comes through fatigue, more pressure and training reps.
“We’ve got work to do, but it is definitely a step forward.”
Flanagan also pinpointed the second half revival as Dragons weathered being down to 14 men before hitting back with two quickfire tries.
"We worked hard just after half-time,” he stressed.
“We conceded an early try when we were down to 14, but our reaction was superb.
“One thing this group has always done since I have arrived is fight and fight for each other.
“Sometimes we haven’t been accurate with it, but the fight has been outstanding.”
Dragons now finish the season on the capital with Judgement Day next Saturday (April 22) and Flanagan believes his team can now take some momentum into the clash with Scarlets.
“It’s a big step forward and if we can reproduce that next week we will be in with a shout,” he added.
“It’s great to play at the Principality Stadium for our group, not many of them would have done it, so it is an occasion we can look forward to and build ourselves up.”
When you come to Ulster you don’t get anything for free and we earned what we got with the three tries...
