Newport County in League Two play-off final after winning on penalties

Wales
Newport
Football
Newport County
Monday 13 May 2019 at 6:40am

Credit: PA

Newport County AFC are through to the League Two play-off finals after winning on penalties against Mansfield Town.

After a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time, the Exiles won 5-3. Tyler Walker missed out on his penalty and County scored all of theirs.

Credit: PA

County got off to an exciting first 45 minutes, hitting the crossbar twice in the first half.

Keeper Joe Day was forced to make an impressive save early on after a challenging free kick from Mansfield's Jacob Mellis.

The Exiles pressed on in the second half, but failed to deliver a goal. Again, County hit the crossbar just before the hour mark with a shot from Scot Bennett.

Mansfield Town looked threatening as the end of normal time approached. The home side had a strong period of possession but still no goal could be found. Substitute Mal Benning saw a free kick well held by Day.

Still no goals in extra time despite a flurry of activity in front of the posts. Credit: PA

As the teams continued in to extra time, still no goals. There was a close call on 110 minutes with Walker's header just wide of the posts, but the game ended in penalties.

Coming out triumphant in the shootout, County head to Wembley for the fourth time in seven years. Newport will face either Tranmere or Forest Green on Saturday 25 May.