Newport 1-1 Mansfield: Padraig Amond’s penalty rescues hosts in League Two play-off semi-final first leg

Newport 1-1 Mansfield: Padraig Amond’s penalty rescues hosts in League Two play-off semi-final first leg
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. 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.

---

'Manchester United doing badly never gets old' - Liverpool fans in buoyant mood as Red Devils miss out on Champions League football And after their quarter-final exit in this season's
'Manchester United doing badly never gets old' - Liverpool

---

Manchester United held new Premier League leaders Liverpool at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has set a Premier League record for the most points won by a manager in his first
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer targets Premier League glory with

---

Feb 15, 2019 · Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard are out for up to three weeks because of injury, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær saying this is a chance for Alexis Sánchez and Romelu Lukaku to step up
Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial injury: Manchester United

---

By all accounts, next week will be the week where Sarri is in Turin to sign his new contract and be announced as Juventus' new manager. Most media reports say that day will be Monday, and the rumor that's been out there about the Juventus Museum being closed on June 14 because the new manager is rolling in to be announced is very much in

---

There will be no Celtic return for fan favourite Patrick Roberts after the Manchester City forward reportedly signed a season-long loan deal with newly promoted Norwich City.Roberts, who was on loan at Celtic between 2016-18, was heavily linked with a return to Celtic Park this summer but he has decided to stay in England after a disappointing spell with City's Spanish partner club Girona
Hibs say Lennon 'not sacked' as Irishman departs - Daily Business

---

Manchester United will have to pay more than £75m for the transfer of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli who are reluctant to let him leave the club. If the Red Devils don't sign Koulibaly, they will turn their attention to the alternatives according to the aforementioned publication.
Manchester United Transfer News: Juventus prepared to sell

---

A Hibernian fan who confronted Rangers captain James Tavernier at the side of the pitch during a match has admitted a breach of the peace charge. Cameron Mack, from Port Seton, climbed over an
Fan who confronted Rangers' James Tavernier banned from all

---

I'm A Celebrity star Harry Redknapp's family heartache over son due in court on serious drugs charges BEING FRANK Frank Lampard set to take over as Chelsea's new manager, according to
I'm A Celebrity's Harry Redknapp, 71, melts hearts as he

---

Palace support 'gobsmacked' club doctor after racist abuse near ground UK & international sports | Published: May 12, 2019 Dr Zafar Iqbal says pre-match incident left him devastated and
Crystal Palace News: Club doctor racially abused near

---

Roland Duchatelet EXCLUSIVE: Charlton Athletic owner says sale of club may 'possibly' be completed by January Written by: fpnews Posted on: December 21, 2018 Charlton Athletic owner Roland Duchatelet has revealed to talkSPORT he may not be Charlton owner in January.
Exclusive: Charlton Athletic owner Roland Duchatelet blocks

---

How far every Premier League club's players have run this season Written by: fpnews Posted on: March 20, 2019 The Premier League season is careering towards what promises to be yet another enthralling finish.
How far every Premier League club's players have run this

---

Tottenham Hotspur stadium update: Spurs 'given ultimatum' by Premier League over first game at new stadium deadline The £1billion arena was due to ready in September but a series of delays has meant they have played their home matches at Wembley
Premier League 'issue ultimatum' to Spurs over new stadium

---

The best players to never win the Champions League including Buffon, Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo emergence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He was the top scorer in three out of four seasons
Great Players Who Never Won The Champions League Buffon

---

A Chelsea supporter has been banned from attending games for three years after being found guilty of homophobic chants during the club's Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium last month.
Chelsea fan found guilty of homophobic chants, banned for

---

Why Tottenham, Arsenal and Man Utd need to worry Daniel Kelly correctly identifies that Spurs , Arsenal and Manchester United are in tricky spots and that there may be a shake-up at the top table.
Tottenham Hotspur News plus Fixtures, Stadium and Transfers

---