DI-AMOND GEEZER READY TO SPARKLE Gone to Pot

KNEES-Y DOES IT: Amond has a knack of scoring FA Cup goals

SOME things just do not change for FA Cup goal specialist Padraig Amond. Even though 2020 was a year like no other, his exploits in front of goal for Newport County helped maintain a kind of normality.

And he will be hoping that continues for the Exiles against Premier League Brighton today. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the UK into lockdown just after he and his wife bought their first home in Wales.

Then the couple’s first child, baby boy Eoghan, arrived during the summer.

Not long after came another arrival – Amond’s first goal in this year’s FA Cup. He converted a penalty in the 3-0 win over Salford City to set up another tantalising clash with top-flight opponents. And the Irishman has already proven his prowess against the big boys, scoring the winner against Leicester in the third round back in January 2019 and again in the 2-0 replay victory over Middlesbrough.

Next up was Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Amond again proved lethal, nipping in to lob Ederson to make it 2-1 before losing out 4-1 .

“I just wish I celebrated that one more because they scored 30 seconds later and the game was over,” he said.

“I thought maybe we might get another chance before the end to maybe nick a draw.”

Amond, 32, almost delivered another FA Cup shock during the 2017-18 campaign after League Two Newport had already knocked out Leeds.

This time Tottenham were the visitors to Rodney Parade and when he headed home just before half-time it took a Harry Kane equaliser eight minutes before the end to salvage a draw.

Amond’s FA Cup tally stands at 12 – level with fellow Irishmen Robbie Keane and Jonathan Walters.

“It’s something to be really proud of. They have been amazing players for our country and in the Premier League. To be on the same level with them in the FA Cup is an honour,” he said.