TWINTASTIC! Goalie runs off pitch in FA Cup win as his wife gives birth
A GOALKEEPER had to make a swift exit after helping his team to an historic FA Cup victory – as his wife was giving birth to twins.
Joe Day, 28, kept a clean sheet as Newport County secured a famous 2-0 win over Championship opponents Middlesbrough.
But instead of joining jubilant teammates on the pitch at the final whistle, Joe sprinted down the tunnel and jumped in his car before heading to the local hospital after he discovered wife Lizzie had gone into labour.
When he arrived at the Royal Gwent Hospital, just a mile from Newport’s stadium, he was greeted by twin daughters Sophia Grace and Emelia Lillie.
Delighted Joe said yesterday: “The whole evening was a bit surreal.”
Lizzie joked: “Joe turned up for the nice bit – to have cuddles! We’re absolutely over the moon.”
The proud parents, who already have two-year-old son Harrison, could not hide their delight yesterday as they showed off the latest additions to their family – who arrived on the greatest day of their father’s career on Tuesday.
As a result of his heroics, League Two side Newport now face a mouth-watering clash against Premier League champions Manchester City in the fifth round. Keeper Joe had actually missed his team’s initial match against Middlesbrough, which ended in a 0-0 draw, 10 days earlier due to the impending birth.
But, after securing the replay at Newport’s Rodney Parade ground, Lizzie gave Joe her blessing to play on Tuesday.
Joe turned off his mobile phone so he could focus on the job at hand – but his thoughts turned to Lizzie as soon as the final whistle blew.
He made a frantic dash to be at her side, after asking permission from team manager Michael Flynn.
The match was broadcast live on BT Sport and TV cameras captured Joe as he ran off the pitch towards the dressing room. Joe said: “As I was driving to the game, Lizzie called me to say that her waters had gone.
“I got to the ground when she was being taken to the labour ward but she told me to concentrate on the game. I didn’t know the girls had been born when I ran off the pitch at the end.
“Until I got into my car and called Lizzie I didn’t know what was going on. To get through to play Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, two twins being born – I’m feeling very lucky.”
Manager Flynn said: “As soon as the game was over he said, ‘Gaffer, thank you so much, can I go please?’ I said, ‘Of course you can, do you need a lift?’ And that was it.
“He sprinted off the pitch and it’s the quickest I’ve ever seen him move.”