GOAL: Liam Shephard celebrates County s opener
NEWPORT County AFC recorded a huge win in their push for the League Two play-offs, and knocked out one of their rivals in the process. The Exiles beat Crawley Town 2-0 at Rodney Parade thanks to a long-range strike from Liam Shephard early in the second half and a killer blow deep in time added on by Aaron Lewis. They stay seventh in the table but still have little margin for error and no time for pats on the back – defeat at Exeter on Saturday would see them leapfrogged by the Grecians, and potentially Salford.
By Chris Kirwan
- County climb to sixth with a first win on the road since December 8.
- Manager Michael Flynn made two changes to the team that lost to Forest Green with Matty Dolan and Scot Bennett in as County return to 3-5-2.
- Nicky Maynard denied at the near post in the best opening of a half dominated by the Exiles.
- Dom Telford shoots straight at the keeper early in the second half.
- Joss Labadie puts County in front from close range.
- The Exiles survive some late pressure to take the spoils.
HERO: Jason Steele saved four penalties in the shootout
NEWPORT County AFC were denied another FA Cup scalp after losing on penalties to Premier League Brighton at Rodney Parade. Seagulls goalkeeper Jason Steele, who gifted the Exiles a late leveller in normal time, turned from villain to hero when stopping penalties from Josh Sheehan, Mickey Demetriou, Liam Shephard and Scot Bennett. Adam Webster, who had deflected into his net, slotted for a 4-3 shootout success that avoided embarrassment for Brighton. County took Newcastle to spot kicks in the Carabao Cup in September and repeated the trick in the more prestigious knockout competition after late drama.