Matt’s finish secures a late win for County
NEWPORT County sealed a dramatic comeback win at their new temporary Cardiff City Stadium home thanks to Matty Dolan’s double against Bradford City.
Mike Flynn’s team have moved their home games away from Rodney Parade on a short-term basis because the pitch there has become almost unplayable due to constant use.
At Cardiff City’s base, Newport had perfect conditions in which to play, but they were undone by a bad error early in the second half by Priestley Farquharson.
It allowed Bradford’s Andy Cook to strike, but Dolan’s stunning free-kick levelled the scores.
Dolan then converted a 96th-minute penalty with the last kick of the game after Levi Sutton handled Mickey Demetriou’s long throw-in.
Given a new pristine surface on which to pass the ball, County were keen to do exactly that early on.
County had the better of the possession, but they struggled to create anything of note in the opening 15 minutes before they nearly gifted Bradford an opener.
Josh Sheehan’s pass back towards his own goal was far too short and the visitors look destined to take full advantage. Billy Clarke took possession and then fed his team-mate Cook. Criminally though, Cook took too many touches and Nick Townsend came out to block impressively.
County’s strikers Nicky Maynard and Padraig Amond were a minimal influence on proceedings as the two teams went to the break goalless.
Cook gave Bradford the lead a minute into the second half. After Sheehan’s lucky escape, this time it was Farquharson who lapsed with a poor pass in a dangerous area for Newport.
Cook dribbled in on goal, took his time, and unleashed a powerful shot which found the bottom corner.
Dolan then had a shot saved from distance as County looked for a response.
Manager Flynn then made a double attacking change by removing Maynard and Scot Bennett for Ryan Taylor and Dom Telford. It made little difference to impressive Bradford.
Their left-back Connor Wood let fly from at least 35 yards and his rocket of a shot was tipped on to the crossbar by Townsend in the Newport goal.
Dolan’s stunning free-kick in the 77th minute levelled the scores. Sheehan was fouled on the edge of the box on the edge of the box and Dolan curled the ball over the wall and into the corner.
Then the drama went up another notch with Dolan’s late winner.