100% FOOTBALL, GOALS AND STATS It’s Newport Bounty
BRAVE Newport came within eight minutes of knocking Spurs out of the FA Cup – but will settle for a money-spinning replay.
Unheralded journeyman Padraig Amond, who has previously played for Sligo Rovers, netted in the 38th minute as the League Two side looked to be on course for one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history.
But Harry Kane – who else – rode to Tottenham’s rescue when he poked home a leveller in the 82nd minute.
The Newport board could be forgiven for thinking about how much the club will earn from a trip to Wembley as the goal went in.
A massive 72 places separates the sides in the football pyramid but the Welsh minnows gave as good as they got last night.
Amond’s goal came during a first half when the Premier League side were truly dreadful.
Mauricio Pochettino had named a strong starting line-up but nothing went right for his men – until they stepped up their game after the break and made their experience and fitness count.
Proud Exiles boss Mike Flynn said: “I’m gutted if I am honest because we conceded so late in the game.
“But they are a quality side and in the second half we couldn’t get at them. We could taste it but we switched off and Kane scored.
“It’s going to be a tough ask at Wembley but we’ll go there and give it a go and you never know.”