Newport’s grit finally overcome in FA Cup

MANCHESTER City broke through Newport’s stubborn defence in the second half to beat the fourth-tier side 4-1 in the FA Cup yesterday, though the result wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggested.

Newport’s hopes of an epic fifth-round upset were still intact when Padraig Amond pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 in the 88th minute. But Phil Foden replied instantly with his second goal of the game and Riyad Mahrez added an injury-time score, allowing City to advance to the quarterfinals to keep Pep Guardiola’s side in the hunt for a possible four trophies.

Brighton and Millwall also advanced. Brighton beat second-tier Derby 2-1, and Championship side Millwall overcame AFC Wimbledon 1-0.

City’s visit to South Wales had only one realistic outcome. It entered the game as the overwhelming favourite — especially after beating Chelsea 6-0 last weekend in the Premier League — but it struggled to impose its usual attacking game on a pitch that contained more mud than grass.

“It was the worst conditions I have played in,” Foden said. “We had to show professionalism and keep the ball moving and they tired in the end.”

Newport, with an annual wage bill that’s less than 1 per cent of City’s, managed to reach the halftime break still at 0-0, and even created the best chance of the opening 45 minutes. But Leroy Sane created the breakthrough for City in the 51st.

Sane ran on to a pass from Gabriel Jesus and fired a leftfoot shot that hit goalkeeper Joe Day in the face before spinning into the net.

Foden doubled the lead in the 75th with a solo goal, but Newport made it interesting when Amond seized on a defensive mistake to lob the ball over City keeper Ederson.