Robertson the Mark to round off revival

MARK ROBERTS struck an injury-time winner as Cambridge United came from two goals down in a dramatic match at the Cambs Glass Stadium.

Roberts followed up after a George Maris penalty had been saved by Joe Day to ram home the winner in front of the jubilant United faithful.

Newport had looked set to continue their good run of form when Ryan Bird struck twice against his old club. But half-time substitute Barry Corr gave the U’s a lift, nodding home to make it 2-1.

Leon Legge then equalised to set up a grandstand finish.

The penalty was awarded after a foul on Luke Berry by Mitch Rose, who was sent off. It looked a dubious decision, and Exiles manager Graham Westley said: “It was a tough one for the lads to take. The feeling in the dressing room is one of desolation.

“Their dug-out was saying to us that it was a bad decision, and when that happens you know you’ve been wronged.

“There were 21 fouls given against us in that game, and some really important decisions went against us.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult afternoon for us.

“A change of shape was forced on us due to injuries, but I think the lads were magnificent. We got ourselves ahead but the referee’s decisions changed the course of the result.”

Newport’s half-time lead came somewhat against the run of play, with Day in outstanding form, making brilliant saves to deny Paul Lewis and Roberts before Bird reacted well to turn in Dan Butler’s cross.

Bird’s second was even better, a controlled volley from David Pipe’s pinpoint centre.

But Corr, making his first appearance at home after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury, and Legge, converted crosses from the outstanding Piero Mingoia to restore parity before Roberts won it at the death.

Cambridge manager Shaun Derry said: “We were disappointed to find ourselves 2-0 down, and I didn’t think we deserved it after how we played.

“But we kept going until the 93rd minute, and it shows the type of characters we have in the dressing room.

“I’ve just looked at the video and it was a clear penalty, so the referee made the right call.

“We’re pleased with our week in terms of the points we’ve picked up, but we’re not thinking about the play-offs, we’re just looking ahead to the next match.”