Padraig Amond proved Newport’s hero again as Mansfield were denied the advantage in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final at Rodney Parade.
Mansfield had led from the 12th minute through CJ Hamilton and looked like taking a crucial lead into Sunday’s decisive leg at their One Call Stadium home.
3
Padraig Amond, left, was Newport’s hero again as his goal sealed a 1-1 draw with Mansfield
But County substitute Ade Azeez was upended by Stags goalkeeper Conrad Logan seven minutes from time and Amond, who scored the FA Cup winner against Leicester from the penalty spot in January, equalised to make it 1-1.
It was success at the second attempt as Logan pushed out Amond’s spot-kick, the Irishman first to the rebound to score his 23rd goal of the season.
Newport had squeezed into the play-offs when Jamille Matt levelled three minutes from time in the final game at Morecambe on Saturday.
But momentum was on County’s side with six wins in a 10-game unbeaten run.
Mansfield might have been forgiven for feeling downbeat after missing out on an automatic-promotion spot with MK Dons claiming the weekend’s winner-takes-all prize.
3
Stags boss David Flitcroft looks on during Thursday night’s League Two play-off semi-final first leg
But the Stags started on the front foot and Newport could have been reduced to 10 men after five minutes.
Mark O’Brien stopped the pacy Tyler Walker’s turbo-charged burst towards goal, but Charles Breakspear controversially brandished a yellow card when many referees might have shown red.
Mansfield dismay, however, turned to delight within seven minutes.
Jacob Mellis seized on a turnover in possession to free Hamilton down the left of the penalty area, and the winger unleashed a ferocious drive high into the net for his 14th goal of the season.
Mellis, the best player in the opening half-hour, drove over as Mansfield continued to win a midfield skirmish conducted at breakneck speed.
3
Jacob Mellis, middle, was in impressive form for Mansfield on the night
Newport had toiled to find any fluency until Mickey Demetriou flicked on Matty Dolan’s free-kick.
Matt arrived with a far-post header but Logan superbly scooped the ball away at point-blank range.
That was the signal for County to apply pressure and battle for headers and second balls in the Mansfield box.
But it was the Stags who should have been further ahead at the start of the second half when Walker broke free and rounded County goalkeeper Joe Day.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
gossip
Man United transfer news live: Madrid consider swapping Bale or Rodriguez for Pogba
gossip
Arsenal transfer news live: Gunners close to landing Sampdoria duo, Meunier linked
gossip
Transfer news LIVE: Madrid prioritise Eriksen over Pogba, Sarri set for Juventus
gossip
Liverpool transfer news live: Lille winger to snub Reds, Depay latest, Mane update
derby delight
Derby County release bold new Umbro home kit and fans are divided
BULK UP
The Arsenal transfer target called 'physically weak' by Arsene Wenger
gossip
Tottenham transfer news live: Battle for Sessegnon, Madrid prioritise Eriksen
PAV-ING US ON?
Arsenal target Cristian Pavon linked with move to MLS side at cut price
Walker was off-balance though as he took the shot and Demetriou was able to clear his trickling effort.
Newport almost equalised within seconds when Amond reached Matt’s header and forced Logan into a sprawling save at his near post.
Walker’s pace was a constant problem for the Newport defence and County were grateful that he failed to fully connect with a volley which Day fell on comfortably.
County sent on Azeez to form a muscular strike partnership with Matt and, after Robbie Willmott saw his offside effort ruled out, the ploy worked as Amond struck at the second time of asking.
Tottenham have gone all out for tonight's huge Champions League final clash with Liverpool to allow their fans to experience the best possible live screening of the game. While Spurs already boast the biggest LED screens in Europe, they have erected six additional big screens in the centre of the White Hart Lane pitch, to […]
Champions League Final: Liverpool vs. Tottenham live buildup
Liverpool's Naby Keita has spoken of his motivation to hit Keita up for the fight in 'tough' Premier League. 'Coutinho welcome back at Liverpool for right price' Do Man Utd have to
Premier League 2018/19: Top 10 signings of the summer so far
Mar 22, 2019 · LONDON (AP) The English Football Association has charged former Newcastle youth team coach Peter Beardsley with racially abusing players. [ MORE: Sane, Gundogan allegedly racially abused on
Premier League » News » Beardsley charged with racially
During Leeds United's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds fan Matt Richardson broke his ankle while celebrating Jack Harrison's 65th-minute goal. The win proved to be massive, as Sheffield United fell victim to Millwall to fall three points behind Leeds in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League with just four games to play.
VIDEO: Leeds Fan Breaks Ankle While Celebrating A Goal, Waits
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO. PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG. Tranmere Rovers 1. Forest Green Rovers 0. GOAL-LINE technology, a red card and two Forest Green penalty shouts served up a semi-final first leg blockbuster - handing Tranmere Rovers the advantage going into Monday night's second installment.
FIFA 19 Predicts: Tranmere Rovers vs Forest Green Rovers
Lucas Moura breaks Champions League knockout stages goal drought…and then sends Tottenham through to final with amazing hat-trick! By Mike on May 8, 2019 in Blogging Service , Blogging Website , Business , England
Buzz Website
Chelsea news: Eden Hazard goal stats show how hard it will be for Blues to replace him amid Real Madrid transfer interest. especially with Real Madrid's reported interest. "I cannot do
~ Chelsea news: Eden Hazard goal stats show how hard it will
Arsenal boss Unai Emery insists his side can still secure a top-four spot in the Premier League despite their insipid 3-1 defeat to Wolves on Wednesday.. Ruben Neves, Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota
Wolves 3-1 Arsenal: Unai Emery still optimistic of Champions
Leicester defender harry maguire could make england bow. Published 0145 EDT, 31 August 2017 Updated 0320 EDT, 31 August 2017 Harry Maguire admits it has been a rollercoaster last few months for
Burnley's Matej Vydra cites Leicester defender Harry Maguire
Hudson-Odoi has been with Chelsea since age 8 and we take care of our own. Chelsea to offer Callum Hudson-Odoi new contract after injury ends Bayern Munich's summer interest @Matt_Law_DT #CFC
Chelsea 'confident Callum Hudson-Odoi will pen new £100k a
Odds to be promoted from the 2019 EFL to the Premier League favor Leeds United and Sheffield United. Norwich City look safe at top of the table.
Championship title race: The table, odds for pr | SportSpyder
Harry Maguire is set to play his final game for Leicester on Sunday amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United, reports claim. The 26-year-old has enjoyed another fine season with the Foxes, but is expected to leave the club this summer.
Harry Maguire 'set to play final game for Leicester' amid
Ligue 1: Marseille appoint former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas as new coach on two-year deal • Marseille have appointed boss Andre Villas-Boas as the club's new coach marking his return to football after 18 months without a club.
André Villas-Boas - Wikipedia
No comments:
Post a Comment